US refuelling aircraft crashes in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury

A US military refuelling aircraft involved in operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran has crashed in western Iraq, according to US Central Command.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft went down during a mission connected to Operation Epic Fury, though the military said the incident did not involve hostile or friendly fire.

A statement released on Thursday said two aircraft were involved in the incident. One plane crashed in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately following the crash, though the status of the crew aboard the downed aircraft has not yet been confirmed.

The aircraft involved was a KC-135 Stratotanker, a key refuelling aircraft used by the United States Air Force during military operations.

KC-135 aircraft play a vital role in combat missions by allowing fighter jets and bombers to refuel while in the air. This capability enables aircraft to travel long distances and remain in combat zones without needing to land.

Typically, the aircraft operates with a crew consisting of a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator, though some missions may include additional personnel.

Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was flying in friendly airspace at the time of the incident.

US Central Command emphasised that early information suggests the crash was not caused by enemy fire or accidental strikes from allied forces.

The military has not yet provided further details on the cause of the crash.

News of the incident comes amid an escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has already led to military operations across the region.

Since the outbreak of the war, at least seven US soldiers have been killed.

Democratic Congressman Jim Himes, who is among the small group of lawmakers regularly briefed on US intelligence and military operations, said it was still too early to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight shortly after the incident was reported, Himes explained that aircraft accidents can occur even during highly controlled military operations.

“A KC-135 is usually used for refuelling. It carries a crew between three and five people,” he said.

“We pray that those three to five people are safe.”

Himes added that incidents such as this are sometimes an unavoidable part of military conflict.

“This is part of the inevitable cost of a conflict,” he said. “Even the best military doesn’t operate without accidents and that’s what appeared to have occurred here.”

The crash adds to a growing list of aircraft losses linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

According to officials, the US military has now lost at least four aircraft during the war.

Earlier this month, three F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in what officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident.

In that case, all six crew members were able to eject safely before the aircraft were destroyed.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has long been one of the most important aircraft in the US Air Force’s fleet.

Developed by Boeing during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the tanker has served for decades as a central component of the military’s aerial refuelling capability.

Its ability to extend the range of combat aircraft has made it essential during long-distance missions and overseas operations.

Investigations into the crash are expected to begin as rescue teams continue searching the area where the aircraft went down.

For now, officials say their priority remains locating and assisting the crew members involved in the incident.