A US KC-135 military refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, while another aircraft involved in the same operation landed safely, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East.
CENTCOM stated that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Officials have not yet released details regarding potential casualties.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, a critical aerial refueling aircraft used by the US Air Force for more than six decades, typically operates with a three-member crew: a pilot, a copilot and a boom operator responsible for in-flight refueling. Depending on the mission, the aircraft can also include a navigator and carry up to 37 passengers.
The crash occurs amid heightened regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran. Earlier in the war, three US F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces, although all six crew members were able to eject safely.
US authorities say an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Source: Newstimehub
