US military refueling tanker crashes in Iraq during Iran offensive

Rescue efforts were underway after an incident involving two aircraft that were participating in Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. offensive against Iran.

Scripps News Group
Posted
and last updated

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft was lost over Iraq on Thursday, U.S. Central Command said.

Rescue efforts were underway after an incident involving two aircraft that were participating in Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. offensive against Iran.

There was no immediate word on whether there were casualties.

The incident took place in friendly airspace, CENTCOM said. The second plane involved was able to land safely.

A source speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the second plane involved was also a KC-135 tanker.

The incident was not due to either hostile or friendly fire, officials said.

“More information will be made available as the situation develops,” Central Command said in a statement. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”

The tanker is the fourth U.S. plane to go down since the war against Iran began. Last week, U.S. ally Kuwait mistakenly downed three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets. All six crew members aboard those jets ejected and were recovered.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with Scripps News for continued updates.