US KC-135 Crash in Iraq 4 Crew Members Dead

A US military KC-135 aircraft crash in western Iraq has killed four crew members, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). Six people were on board the plane when it went down. Rescue efforts are still ongoing for the two survivors.

CENTCOM said the cause of the crash is under investigation. It also stated that neither hostile fire nor friendly fire caused the accident. The names of the deceased soldiers have not been released yet. Officials said families must be informed first.

The US military confirmed that the KC-135 aircraft crashed while another plane involved in the incident landed safely. The second aircraft has not been named.

Iranian state media claimed that a resistance group in Iraq shot down the plane with a missile. However, the United States strongly denied this claim and said no attack was reported.

The KC-135 is a US Air Force refueling aircraft made by Boeing. It has been used for more than 60 years. The plane plays an important role in long-distance military missions because it refuels other aircraft in the air. It usually has three crew members — a pilot, a co-pilot, and a boom operator.

Reports also mention that this was the fourth US military aircraft lost in the ongoing Iran conflict. Earlier, three F-15E fighter jets were reportedly shot down in what officials called an accident involving another aircraft.

The fighting between the US and Iran began on February 28 after joint strikes on Tehran. Since then, the conflict has spread to other regions in the Gulf. There are growing concerns about regional stability and energy supply, especially after tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil transport.