The Aryavarth Express
Baghdad, Iraq — Iran’s state media has claimed that an Iraqi resistance group shot down a United States military refueling aircraft in western Iraq, while the US military has strongly denied that the incident was caused by hostile fire.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, a spokesperson for Iran’s Central Military Headquarters alleged that a missile launched by resistance fighters in western Iraq struck a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling operation. The report further claimed that all six service members aboard the aircraft were killed.
Press TV also cited a statement from the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which said that air defense units of the so-called “Resistance Front” successfully targeted the tanker while it was refueling a fighter jet described as an “aggressor aircraft.”
However, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a KC-135 refueling aircraft but rejected claims that it had been shot down.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. According to the release, two aircraft were involved in the incident.
“One aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely,” the statement said.
CENTCOM also emphasized that the crash was not the result of enemy action. “This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the command said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Authorities said search and rescue operations are currently underway. The military added that further details would be released as more information becomes available and as efforts continue to account for personnel involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented on the broader situation involving Iran during a Women’s History Month event at the White House on Thursday. Trump said developments related to Iran were moving “very rapidly” and praised the strength of the US military.
“The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It’s doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed,” Trump said.
He also noted that rebuilding the US military during his earlier administration had helped strengthen current capabilities, adding that the armed forces were playing an important role in addressing ongoing international challenges.
Further details about the aircraft incident are expected as investigations continue.
