All six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq during a military mission have been confirmed dead. The incident occurred on March 12 while the aircraft was flying over friendly airspace as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from CENCOM.
The U.S. military officials stated that the aircraft was lost while operating over western Iraq. An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting that it was not due to hostile activity. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Despite the tragic event, early findings indicate that the aircraft was not brought down by enemy forces or friendly fire. The identities of the deceased service members have not been disclosed yet, as standard procedures are being followed before releasing their names to the public. The KC-135 aircraft is crucial for refueling operations, enhancing the range and endurance of combat and surveillance aircraft during missions.
