A United States KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft has been shot down in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members on board. According to the latest reports, the plane was targeted and brought down by a missile fired by Shia militant groups operating in the region.
During the same incident, a second KC-135 aircraft sustained damage but managed to make a successful emergency landing in Israel. The Pentagon has officially dismissed rumors that the downed aircraft was destroyed by friendly fire. This marks the fourth American aircraft lost since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury.
The KC-135 is a crucial component of the US military's aerial operations, serving as the primary aircraft for mid-air refueling. Valued at approximately $25 million, the massive plane uses a 14-meter telescopic boom to supply fuel to B-52 bombers, as well as F-15 and F-35 fighter jets. A single KC-135 can deliver up to 90 tons of fuel during a single flight, making it an essential asset for extended combat missions.
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