BAGHDAD: A U.S. aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a military operation, killing all six personnel on board, according to reports from United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM confirmed the incident in a statement posted on social media, saying that it is aware of the loss of the refueling aircraft. The crash occurred during an operation known as Operation Epic Fury.
According to the statement, two refueling aircraft were involved in the mission. One aircraft crashed in western Iraq, while the second aircraft landed safely. Rescue and recovery operations are currently underway in the area.
U.S. media reported that six people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Meanwhile, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, an Iranian military command body, claimed that Iraqi resistance forces shot down the American refueling plane and that all personnel aboard were killed. However, this claim has not been independently verified.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash, and an investigation into the incident is expected to begin.
