The United States has confirmed that one of its military aircraft crashed in western Iraq amid the ongoing war involving Israel and Iran, Al Jazeera reported. However, the armed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, saying it shot down the US tanker aircraft in western Iraq “with the appropriate weapon”.
In a brief statement on Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and parts of Asia, said a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft was lost during an operation.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the statement said. Officials did not immediately confirm whether there were casualties or survivors.
CENTCOM indicated the crash involved two aircraft, possibly during close manoeuvres or a refuelling operation. The second aircraft involved landed safely. The command stressed the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.
However, the armed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, saying it shot down the US tanker aircraft in western Iraq “with the appropriate weapon”.
Initial details about the incident remain unclear. Reports suggested the tanker may have gone down during a refuelling attempt, though search and rescue operations for the crew were still underway. A KC-135 typically requires at least three crew members, though more personnel may have been on board.
The crash is the latest setback for US forces since military operations against Iran began on February 28. Before the incident, the US military had reported seven service members killed in the campaign, while another died in Kuwait due to a health-related emergency. Around 140 troops have also been wounded.
Earlier in the conflict, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences during a combat situation, though all six crew members ejected safely.
The war has also drawn criticism at home. Opinion polls in the United States show growing public opposition to the military campaign against Iran.
