All six crew members killed after US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq
All six crew members killed after US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq
A US military refuelling plane crashed in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker, was operating during a combat mission when the incident occurred. Centcom confirmed that no hostile or friendly fire was involved, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The crash adds to the growing toll of US military personnel lost in the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has intensified over the past two weeks. This incident marks the fourth aircraft lost by the US since the war began, with oil prices rising above $100 (£75) a barrel and stock markets reacting to strikes in the Gulf. Iran’s new supreme leader has vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route.
Earlier this month, three F-15s were shot down in Kuwait in what officials called an “apparent friendly fire incident.” Meanwhile, France reported that a drone strike killed Staff Sgt Arnaud Frion and injured six others at a Kurdish military base in northern Iraq. The attack was attributed to an allied group, which the US military claims targeted the KC-135 over friendly airspace.
Details of the Crash and Rescue Efforts
The incident happened around 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT) on Thursday. A search and rescue operation was initiated to find the remaining two crew members, though all six were ultimately confirmed dead. Centcom noted that the identities of the victims would be withheld for 24 hours to allow families to be notified. The plane was one of two involved in the event, with the second aircraft managing to land safely.
Boeing designed the KC-135 Stratotanker in the 1950s and 1960s, making it a cornerstone of the US air refuelling fleet. These planes enable combat aircraft to conduct extended missions without landing, a role they played prominently during the first Gulf War. The crew typically includes a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator, who manages the refuelling arm.
Quotes and Statements
“The plane had crashed while the crew was on a combat mission,” stated Gen Dan Caine, chair of the US Joint Chiefs, during a press briefing on Friday.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the crew as “American heroes,” emphasizing their “sacrifice will only recommit us to the resolve of this mission.”
Iran’s military alleged that an allied group had launched a missile at the aircraft. The crash brings the official US military death toll in the conflict with Iran to 13, with ongoing operations targeting Iranian infrastructure. Israel’s military announced a new wave of strikes against Iranian facilities in Tehran, following reports of explosions near the capital. The US has relaxed sanctions to allow other nations to purchase Russian oil, a move aimed at mitigating economic pressures from the conflict.
