US military: KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in Iraq

A US military KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq, US Central Command said Friday evening. A second, unidentified aircraft involved in the operation landed safely. The two were operating in friendly airspace in support of Operation Epic Fury.

CENTCOM said the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The status of the KC-135's crew is unknown, and rescue operations are ongoing.

This is the fourth American aircraft loss since the start of Operation Epic Fury, nearly two weeks ago. Days into the war, CENTCOM announced three F-15E Strike Eagles were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait; the aircraft were lost, but all six aircrew members ejected safely.

The KC-135 Stratotanker supports the joint force by refueling fighter jets, bombers, and cargo aircraft in complex midair refueling operations. It typically carries a three-person crew: a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator.

Iraq, western Iraq

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