By Amofokhai Williams
A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, with rescue crews currently scrambling to the scene, U.S. Central Command confirmed Thursday.
According to a statement from CENTCOM, two aircraft were involved in the incident, which occurred in friendly airspace.
One of the aircraft went down, while the second landed safely. Officials have not disclosed the type of the second aircraft or its condition.
Crucially, CENTCOM emphasized that the crash was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” suggesting a mechanical failure or pilot error as the preliminary focus of the investigation.
“We are aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft,” CENTCOM posted on social media.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing.”
The KC-135 is a staple of U.S. Air Force aerial refueling operations, critical for extending the range of fighter jets and surveillance aircraft across the region. The downing of such a valuable asset raises immediate questions about the status of its crew.
CENTCOM has not released information on the number of personnel aboard or their condition, citing the ongoing rescue mission. The location in western Iraq places the incident in an area where U.S. forces have historically operated closely with Iraqi security forces against ISIS remnants.
Operation Epic Fury, the specific mission named by CENTCOM, appears to be an ongoing operation, though details regarding its scope and objectives have not been publicly detailed by the Pentagon.
