The U.S. military has confirmed that four of the six crew members aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have died. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate the remaining two crew members. The incident occurred on Thursday and involved another aircraft, although officials have clarified that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
U.S. Central Command released a statement indicating that the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. They emphasized that the loss of the aircraft was not a result of any combat-related actions. An American official, speaking to the Associated Press, noted that there were at least five crew members on board at the time of the incident.
The KC-135 is a military aerial refueling aircraft that has been in service since the 1950s, playing a crucial role in extending the range and endurance of military operations. The crash highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation, even in non-combat situations.
As rescue efforts continue, the military has not disclosed further details about the crash site or the nature of the incident involving the other aircraft. The focus remains on locating the missing crew members and providing support to their families during this difficult time.

