US Central Command confirms all six crew members of a KC-135 tanker that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation EpicFury have died.
Confirmed Deaths
US Central Command confirmed on Friday that all six crew members of an American KC-135 tanker aircraft died when the plane crashed in western Iraq. The aircraft went missing on March 12 while flying over allied airspace as part of Operation EpicFury.
Investigation Underway
CENTCOM stated that circumstances of the incident are under investigation. The loss of the aircraft was not due to enemy fire or fire from allied forces.
IRI Claims Responsibility
A pro-Iranian group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), claimed its fighters shot down the KC-135 “in defense of sovereignty and the country’s airspace.” The group had previously attacked US bases in Iraq.
Aircraft Background
The KC-135 is used for aerial refueling of other aircraft. This is at least the fourth aircraft lost by the US in the ongoing conflict with Iran. On March 2, the US lost three F-15 fighters mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces; their pilots ejected safely.
Regional Tensions
On February 28, Israel and the US launched airstrikes against Iran. Tehran retaliated with attacks on Israel and several Persian Gulf countries, hitting both US bases and civilian objects.