U.S. military plane crashes over Iraq during refueling mission; rescue efforts ongoing. Iran claims responsibility, while U.S. Central Command investigates.
The U.S. military confirmed a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with the incident occurring in friendly airspace. Iran has claimed responsibility for the downing, while the U.S. Central Command stated the loss was not due to hostile fire.
This marks the fourth aircraft loss since the Iran conflict began. The U.S. Central Command described the incident as occurring in friendly airspace and noted that one aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the other landed safely. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a militia group backed by Iran, reportedly claimed responsibility for the incident.
The KC-135, valued at $39.6 million, is primarily used for refueling other aircraft. Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, stated that Tehran would make the U.S. 'sorry' for starting the war. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a swift victory and the war's end soon, despite increased foreign ship strikes in the Persian Gulf.
The incident comes as tensions rise in the region, with Iran warning of oil price hikes and U.S. military bases in the Middle East under threat. The U.S. military is actively responding to these developments, aiming to stabilize the situation.