Baghdad: U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft has reportedly crashed in western Iraq with a crew of six on board.
According to a report by CBS News, the aircraft went down under circumstances that remain unclear, and the condition of the six crew members has not yet been confirmed.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was part of ongoing U.S. military aerial operations in the region, where tanker aircraft such as the KC-135 play a critical strategic role.
These aircraft are designed to refuel fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance aircraft mid-air, enabling extended operations without the need for frequent landings.
In a related development, another KC-135 refueling aircraft was reportedly hit during the same period but managed to safely land in Israel despite sustaining damage.
Details about how the aircraft was struck or the extent of the damage have not yet been officially released.
The incident comes at a time when military activity across the Middle East has intensified due to ongoing regional conflicts and rising tensions involving multiple actors.
Western Iraq, in particular, has long been considered a sensitive operational zone due to the presence of U.S. forces, strategic air corridors, and ongoing counter-terrorism and regional security missions.