All six crew members of US KC-135 confirmed dead in western Iraq crash

BAGHDAD — All six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command said Friday.

“All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased,” CENTCOM said in a statement. The military reiterated that the loss “was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire” and said an investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

The aircraft went down at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military’s name for its ongoing campaign against Iran. CENTCOM said two aircraft were involved in the incident, with the second landing safely.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft — a claim CENTCOM directly contradicted.

Four of the crew members had previously been confirmed dead.

The KC-135 is the backbone of the U.S. aerial refueling fleet and has been in high demand during Operation Epic Fury, refueling fighters, bombers and support aircraft across the region. It is the fourth U.S. military aircraft lost since strikes against Iran began Feb. 28. The Pentagon had previously reported seven U.S. service member deaths in the campaign, with approximately 140 wounded.