US Central Command (CENTCOM) has acknowledged that a KC-135 refueling aircraft was lost in what it described as “friendly airspace” in western Iraq, with rescue efforts currently underway. There is no immediate word on deaths or survivors among the crew. CENTCOM’s statement indicated that a second aircraft “landed safely” and said the crash was not caused by “hostile fire or friendly fire.”
However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq quickly disputed this, claiming they shot down a US Army KC-135 in western Iraq using “the appropriate weapon.” According to Al Jazeera, A KC-135 refueling tanker typically requires at least three crew members to operate, meaning multiple personnel may be involved.
