US B-2 Stealth Bombers Launch in Operation Epic Fury Against Iranian Regime

The United States Central Command announced the launch of B-2 stealth bombers as part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at eliminating threats from the Iranian regime and preventing future capability rebuilding. The operation was marred by the crash of a US KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft in western Iraq, which resulted in the deaths of all six crew members. US officials stated the crash occurred in friendly airspace and was not due to hostile or friendly fire, though the incident is under investigation. Conversely, Iranian state media claimed the aircraft was shot down by missile fire from resistance groups in the region.

Key Points: US B-2 Bombers Target Iran in Operation Epic Fury

  • B-2 stealth bombers launch for long-range strike mission
  • Operation targets Iranian regime's capabilities
  • US KC-135 refueling plane crashes in Iraq, 6 killed
  • Iran claims plane was shot down by "Resistance Front"
3 min read

B-2 stealth bombers takeoff under Operation Epic Fury to target Iranian regime: US CENTCOM

US CENTCOM launches B-2 stealth bombers in Operation Epic Fury to eliminate Iranian threats. Incident involves fatal KC-135 crash in Iraq.

"eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future - US CENTCOM"

Washington DC, March 14

The United States Central Command on Friday said B-2 stealth bombers have taken off to carry out a mission as part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at "eliminating threats" posed by the Iranian "regime" and preventing the Persian Gulf country from rebuilding its capabilities in the future.

CENTCOM said the bombers launched to deliver long-range firepower during the operation.

"B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future," the command posted on X.

Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that all six crew members aboard the US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have died.

According to a statement by the US CENTCOM, the aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation, but officials confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

"The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," the statement read.

The Command said the names of the deceased service members will be withheld until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.

Earlier on Thursday, the US CENTCOM confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release.

According to a release, CENTCOM stated that the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the US-led operation against the Iranian regime to dismantle the security apparatus and prioritise locations that pose an imminent threat.

"Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely," the release said.

"This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," the release added.

However, Iran's state media, citing the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran's Military, claimed that the US military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in Western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six of the service members on board had been killed.

The Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet, Press TV reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The conflicting reports about the plane crash are worrying. US says no hostile fire, Iran claims it was shot down. Reminds me of how misinformation spreads during conflicts. The families of those six crew members deserve the truth. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Operation Epic Fury sounds like a movie title, but the reality is grim. As an Indian, my primary concern is the spike in oil prices. Petrol is already so expensive! This tension in the Middle East always hits our pockets hard.
S
Sarah B
The stated goal to "eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future" is an extraordinarily aggressive long-term strategy. It goes beyond a tactical strike. India must tread very carefully in its diplomatic response to maintain its relationships with all sides.
V
Vikram M
B-2 bombers are a massive show of force. While the US might see Iran as a threat, I hope this doesn't spiral into a wider war. We have millions of Indians working in the GCC countries. Their safety is paramount.
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Karthik V
With respect, I have to question the wisdom of such a public announcement. It feels more like psychological warfare than a military update. It escalates tension unnecessarily. A more measured, private diplomatic channel would be better for global stability.

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