American KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashes in western Iraq
A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. The incident was reported by US Central Command.
According to the military, there were at least five crew members on board. The rescue operation is ongoing. There is currently no information about casualties or injuries.
The Central Command statement said the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. Two American aircraft were involved in the incident. One of them crashed in western Iraq, while the other made a safe landing.
The military emphasised that the incident was not related to enemy or friendly fire.
The US Central Command said that additional information would be released later when new data became available.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a refuelling aircraft that allows other aircraft to refuel in the air and continue their combat missions.
The crew of such an aircraft usually consists of three or four military personnel. It includes a pilot, co-pilot and refuelling system operator. In some missions, navigators are also included in the crew.
The aircraft can be used not only for refuelling in the air, but also for transporting cargo or medical patients.
The KC-135 is one of the oldest types of aircraft in the US Air Force. The last aircraft of this type was delivered in 1965. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 707 passenger aircraft.
According to the US Congress, there are 376 such aircraft in service. Over the years, they have undergone modernisation, including the installation of new engines.
The crash was the fourth known loss of US aircraft during the current conflict with Iran.
Earlier this month, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait as a result of friendly fire. All six crew members were able to eject and survived.
