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US KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Lost in Iraq During Operation Epic Fury

The United States Central Command confirmed the loss of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft over western Iraq. The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury and involved a second aircraft that landed safely. CENTCOM stated the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and rescue efforts are currently in progress. The announcement comes as former President Donald Trump commented on U.S. military strength and the situation with Iran.

Key Points: US KC-135 Aircraft Lost Over Iraq, CENTCOM Confirms

  • KC-135 crashed in friendly airspace
  • Second involved aircraft landed safely
  • Incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury
  • Rescue operations are currently underway
2 min read

"US KC-135 refuelling aircraft lost during Operation Epic Fury in Iraq": United States Central Command

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. CENTCOM states it was not due to hostile fire. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

"This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. - CENTCOM"

Tampa, March 13

The United States Central Command on Thursday 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 press release issued by CENTCOM, the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

"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," CENTCOM posted on X.

Authorities added that rescue efforts are currently underway.

"More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members," the release said.

Earlier, President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said the situation involving Iran was progressing "very rapidly" and praised the strength of the United States military.

Speaking at the Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran.

"The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There's never been anything like it. Nobody's ever seen anything like it," Trump said.

He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier. Reflecting on his earlier time in office, Trump said his administration's efforts to rebuild the US military had strengthened its current capabilities.

"We had a very successful first term, best economy ever. We did a lot of great things. We rebuilt our military. That's one of the reasons we're doing so well now with our military," he said.

Trump also noted that he had not expected to rely so heavily on the armed forces but said the strengthened military had become crucial in dealing with international developments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The article mentions it wasn't hostile fire. Makes you wonder about the immense technical and logistical challenges of these refueling missions. The KC-135 is a workhorse, but accidents happen. A sobering piece of news.
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Arjun K
The timing is interesting. Trump is talking about strength and "dealing with Iran" while a major support aircraft is lost. Hope this doesn't escalate tensions further in the region. The Gulf is crucial for global energy, and stability there affects us all.
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Priyanka N
As an Indian, reading about foreign military operations in West Asia always feels complex. On one hand, it's a tragedy for the servicemen. On the other, we've seen how prolonged foreign presence can create long-term instability. A difficult situation all around.
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Michael C
The press release is very careful with its wording. "Not due to hostile fire or friendly fire" leaves mechanical failure or human error. It's good they are being transparent and asking for patience for the families' sake. That's the right approach.
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Karthik V
With all due respect to the office, the President's comments feel a bit disconnected from the news of the lost aircraft. Praising military strength is one thing, but a somber tone might be more appropriate when lives and equipment are lost, regardless of cause. Just my two cents.

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