WASHINGTON: Four US soldiers were killed and two others reported missing after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
The aircraft, used for aerial refuelling operations, went down during a mission in the region. A second aircraft involved in the operation landed safely, according to CENTCOM.
The incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, officials said. The exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
“One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” CENTCOM said in a statement. No immediate details on damage or additional casualties were released.
The KC-135 has been in service with the United States Air Force for more than six decades. The aircraft plays a key role in extending the operational range and endurance of combat jets by refuelling them mid-air.
The tanker typically operates with a crew of three: a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator responsible for refuelling aircraft during flight. Some missions may also include a navigator, and the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers.
The crash marks at least the fourth U.S. military aircraft loss since hostilities began between United States and Iran on February 28.
Earlier in the conflict, three Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait forces in what U.S. officials described as a friendly-fire incident. All six crew members were able to eject safely.
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CENTCOM said the earlier incident occurred during intense combat operations involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
Military officials said further details about the latest crash would be released after the investigation progresses.
