A United States Air Force tanker plane crashed this Thursday (12) in western Iraq during a mission to support the American and Israeli offensive against Iran. US Central Command (Centcom) reported that the aircraft was operating as part of Operation Epic Fury and that the incident occurred in allied airspace, with no relation to enemy fire or friendly fire.
According to the official statement, two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of them crashed in Iraqi territory, while the second managed to land safely. Rescue teams were mobilized, but so far there is no confirmation on the condition of the crew.
According to Centcom, the plane was a KC-135 Stratotanker, a model used for in-flight refueling and considered essential for long-distance military operations. This type of aircraft typically operates with a military crew, including pilot, co-pilot and fuel system operator.
The accident occurred amid the joint offensive between the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28. American forces have been carrying out bombing and air support missions in several parts of the Middle East since the beginning of the operation.
The episode comes after other incidents involving American aircraft since the start of the war against Iran. Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that three F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defense systems during an operation in the region. According to American authorities, the six soldiers who were on the aircraft managed to eject themselves and were rescued alive, without serious injuries.
Also this Thursday, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, which participates in operations in the region, recorded a fire on board that left two crew members injured, according to information released by American military authorities.
