4 Killed As US Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq, What Caused The US KC-135 Crash In Iraq?

Tehran : Four of the six persons on board a US military aircraft died after it crashed in Iraq, US Central Command confirmed on Friday. The command added that the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, and that the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.

While an Iran-backed Islamic group operating in Iraq has claimed responsibility for downing the plane. In a statement, the US Central Command said two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft landed safely, while the other went down over western Iraq. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the command said, referring to the US military campaign targeting Iran.

The KC-135, a refuelling aircraft that has been in service for more than six decades, typically operates with a three-person crew, a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft, according to the US Air Force. Some missions also require a navigator, and the aircraft is capable of carrying up to 37 passengers, an Air Force factsheet says.

Earlier in the conflict, which began on February 28, Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighter jets, though all six crew members ejected safely, according to US Central Command.

Read Also : Pakistan Strikes Kabul Again, Four Killed in Fresh Afghanistan Attack