U.S. military confirms loss of KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq amid conflicting claims

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Air Force has confirmed the loss of a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft during operations over western Iraq, though it stated the incident was not the result of hostile action.

In a statement late Thursday, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) said one of its KC-135 aircraft went down during what it described as Operation Epic Fury. The operation involved two aircraft.

“One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” CENTCOM stated.



The military emphasized that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, and added that rescue efforts for the crew were ongoing.

“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement read. “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.”



However, Shia armed groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft. In a statement posted on Telegram, the group said its fighters targeted the U.S. refueling plane while defending Iraqi airspace.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, supporters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq downed the KC-135 plane of the U.S. Air Force,” the statement said.



The group did not specify the weapon used but claimed it deployed “suitable weapons”. It also asserted responsibility for a second attack on another U.S. aircraft, which, according to the statement, successfully landed.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked another KC-135 plane, but its crew managed to escape and land the aircraft at an airfield of the enemy,” the group said.



The U.S. military has not confirmed these claims. CENTCOM has also not released further details regarding the crew aboard the downed plane or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a vital refueling aircraft that allows U.S. combat and support planes to operate at extended ranges. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran-aligned militias and U.S. forces have exchanged threats and attacks in recent weeks.

Security analysts noted that conflicting accounts of the incident highlight the increasing volatility of the region’s airspace. Shia militias in Iraq have previously targeted U.S. bases and military assets, citing the goal of ending the American military presence in the country.