A US military KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft has crashed in Iraq during an operational flight, officials confirmed.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued an official statement regarding the incident.
According to the report, the crash occurred during a flight within friendly airspace as part of Operation "Epic Fury." CENTCOM stated that two aircraft were involved in the mission; one went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft managed to perform a safe landing at a nearby base.
In its preliminary assessment, CENTCOM emphasized that the crash was not the result of enemy fire or friendly fire. Search and rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the incident. However, the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," an umbrella organization for armed groups in the region, issued a conflicting claim via its Telegram channel. The group alleged that their air defense systems targeted and successfully downed the aircraft.
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a core component of the US Air Force's aerial refueling capability for over 60 years, providing essential support for long-range missions and maintaining regional security operations. This incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions, where US President Donald Trump has maintained a focus on ensuring the safety of American personnel stationed abroad. Official Washington has indicated that further details regarding the cause of the crash and the status of the crew will be provided as the investigation progresses.
