Four US Air Force crew members died when a KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq on Thursday during Operation Epic Fury, US Central Command announced Friday.
The aircraft, carrying six personnel, was lost over friendly airspace in a non-hostile incident involving two planes, with the second landing safely. “The circumstances are under investigation, but the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement clarified.
Identities of the fallen servicemembers are being withheld pending family notifications within 24 hours.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq—an Iran-backed militia umbrella—claimed responsibility Thursday evening, stating it shot down the tanker “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.”
USCENTCOM dismissed the claim, emphasising the crash’s non-combat nature amid ongoing regional tensions.
The tragedy marks a significant loss for US air operations in the Middle East, with investigations underway to determine mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors.
Operation Epic Fury, a US-led coalition effort against regional threats, continues despite the setback.
