Washington, DC – US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that all six crew members of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed during a military mission in western Iraq were killed. CENTCOM confirmed that initial investigations indicate the crash was not caused by friendly or hostile fire.
Details of the incident
US Central Command (CENTCOM) explained in an official update that contact was lost with the aircraft while it was flying in what it described as “friendly” airspace over western Iraq. This occurred during operations as part of a military operation called “Epic Wrath.”
The military command added that tracking teams were later able to confirm the crash. All six crew members on board were killed.
Denial of being attacked
U.S. Central Command emphasized that initial information indicates the aircraft crash was not caused by hostile or even friendly fire. Therefore, the possibility of it being attacked during its mission has been ruled out.
It confirmed that the ongoing investigation is currently focused on determining the technical or operational causes that may have led to the incident.
Investigations are ongoing
CENTCOM indicated that the circumstances of the incident are still under investigation by the relevant US military authorities. It confirmed that further details will be released after the necessary technical investigations are completed.
The incident comes amid an escalation of military operations in the region recently. US forces are participating in multiple air missions in support of their ongoing military operations in the Middle East.
