US KC-135 Crash in Iraq Kills 4 Crew, Not Hostile Fire
A US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, killing four crew members. The incident occurred at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (1900 GMT), with the second plane landing safely. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though Iran's military claimed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq shot down the aircraft with a missile. This brings the total US service members killed in the ongoing conflict with Iran to at least 11. KC-135s, in operation for over 60 years, typically carry three crew members but can transport up to 37 passengers. This is the fourth US military aircraft lost in the conflict, following three F-15s downed by friendly fire over Kuwait earlier. The crash highlights escalating tensions in the Middle East war, with Iran-backed groups claiming daily attacks on US interests in Iraq.