Four crew members died after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, according to United States Central Command.
The aircraft carried six personnel when it went down. Rescue teams continue their search and recovery efforts.
Officials said the crash did not involve hostile or friendly fire. Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Aircraft Involved in Ongoing Military Operations
The aircraft was a KC-135 Stratotanker built by Boeing.
The tanker supported US operations linked to tensions involving Iran. Two aircraft were involved in the mission. The second plane landed safely.
Authorities reported that the crash happened around 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT) on Thursday.
Centcom has not yet released the names of the victims. Officials said they will wait 24 hours so families can be informed first.
Key Role of KC-135 Aircraft
The KC-135 Stratotanker plays a critical role in US air operations. It can refuel fighter jets and bombers while they are still in flight.
This ability allows combat aircraft to travel longer distances and stay in the air for extended missions.
The tanker fleet proved essential during the Gulf War. The aircraft helped extend the range of US fighter jets and bombers during that conflict.
Conflicting Claims Over the Crash
Centcom initially said the aircraft crashed over friendly airspace. However, the region in western Iraq hosts several pro-Iran militias.
Iranian state television later claimed that an allied militia group targeted the aircraft with a missile. US officials have not confirmed that claim.
Rising Losses During the Conflict
Since the start of the US–Israel war with Iran, seven US soldiers have died in the conflict.
The US military has also lost at least four aircraft during the war.
Earlier this month, three F-15 Eagle aircraft were shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait. All six crew members ejected safely.
Long History of the KC-135
Boeing first built the KC-135 Stratotanker for the US military in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The aircraft remains a key part of the US aerial refuelling fleet. It helps support long-range military missions around the world.
Investigators will continue examining the crash site to determine what caused the accident.
