All six crew members on a U.S. military refueling aircraft have been confirmed dead after it crashed in Iraq.
“At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” U.S. Central Command said. “However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.”
In a later post, CENTCOM said that all six crew members “aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury.”
“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the post read. “The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.”
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq reportedly claimed responsibility for the downing of the aircraft. The group said that it downed the aircraft “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth called the service members “American heroes,” and said that their “sacrifice will only recommit us to the resolve of this mission.”
“We continue to appeal to heaven, to Almighty God’s providence, to watch over and give special skill and confidence to our leaders and to our warriors,” he said.
