All six crew members killed in US refuelling plane crash in Iraq

All six crew members killed in US refuelling plane crash in Iraq

A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members, according to officials. The incident occurred around 2pm on 12 March, as reported by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which manages operations in the Middle East.

“The crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire,” CENTCOM stated, clarifying an earlier report that included another aircraft which landed safely.

A US official, who wished to remain anonymous, shared with Reuters that the second plane involved was also a KC-135 refuelling model. The circumstances of the crash are currently under review by authorities.

An umbrella group of Iranian proxies, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the downing of the plane on Thursday. This group has previously issued false claims regarding attacks during the Iran-Iraq War.

The KC-135, a Boeing-built aircraft from the 1950s and early 1960s, has been a staple of US military operations for over six decades. It is used to support mid-air refueling, enabling missions to continue without landing.

Since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on 28 February, seven US troops have lost their lives—13 in total when the crew of the crashed plane is included. The conflict has claimed more than 2,000 casualties, with nearly 700 in Lebanon. Israel has intensified its strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah, targeting Beirut overnight.

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