Six crew members of a US military aircraft that was refuelling during combat in Iraq died when the plane went down. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, used for aerial refueling operations by the United States Air Force.
According to the United States Central Command, it happened Thursday afternoon. Officials confirm that the plane went down at 14.00 Eastern Time. Later, search teams found the six dead crew members.
During an initial search, the military recovered four corpses. Rescue crews then found the two remaining crew members after continuing operations.
The authorities said that the aircraft crashed while on a mission to support ongoing operations in this region.
The officials also stated that there were no signs of hostile or friendly gunfire causing the accident. The investigation is underway to find out the cause of the crash.
The role of aircraft in military operations
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a key part of the US Military Aviation. This aircraft can refuel fighter jets or bombers in mid-air. The combat aircraft can stay up in the air longer, and fly further without having to land.
The boom operator is responsible for controlling the arm that transfers fuel from one aircraft to another during flight.
Over the years, this fleet of tankers has been a vital part of many US missions.
The Fallen Crew is Honored by Military Honors
US military leaders referred to the crew members as heroic men who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Pete Hegseth said that the sacrifices of the servicemen and women who died strengthen the commitment the nation has to its mission.
Tensions rise during ongoing regional conflict
The accident occurred during a conflict between the United States and Israel. In recent weeks, military activity in the area has increased.
Iranian state-run media reported that a militia group allied with Iran had fired a missile at the plane. US officials, however, haven’t confirmed this claim.
With the latest accident, the US official death toll from the war has now reached 13. The US also has lost many aircraft in the conflict.
In an incident that officials called a friendly-fire accident, three McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle jet fighters crashed over Kuwait earlier this month. In that incident, the pilots and crew were able to safely eject.
More Regional Impact
This conflict is still affecting the Middle East. According to Israeli officials, Israel launched new airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure last Friday.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns over global energy supply. Recently, oil prices climbed over 100 dollars per barrel following several attacks on cargo ships in the Gulf.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, said that the conflict might end in the near future but cautioned the United States to escalate their actions if needed.
