A US Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, as confirmed by US Central Command. The incident involved two aircraft in friendly airspace, with one crashing and the other landing safely.
Officials clarified that the crash was not a result of combat action, ruling out hostile or friendly fire. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to determine the crew’s status and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, crucial for refueling bombers and fighter jets on long-range missions, typically operates with a minimum crew of three. Initial reports suggested a possible in-air collision, although the cause is yet to be formally confirmed by the military.
Reports emerged earlier when flight-tracking data indicated that the KC-135 had declared an in-flight emergency before the crash, according to sources.
