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Six U.S. service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday afternoon.
U.S. Central Command provided an update Friday in a post on X. Initially, military officials confirmed that four of the six service members were killed in the crash.
"All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified."
KC-135 refueling aircraft crash incident
What we know:
The U.S. military said Friday in an X post that the "circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."
FILE-U.S. soldiers salute during service for officer. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
What we don't know:
The identities of the service members killed have not been released, with military officials saying they are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
According to the Associated Press, the KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S. Air Force aircraft used to refuel other planes in midair, allowing them to travel longer distances and maintain operations longer without landing.
The AP added that the plane is also used to transport wounded personnel during medical evacuations or conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.
FOX News reported that the KC-135 has been in service for over 60 years, supporting the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. The Air Force is gradually replacing the aging fleet with next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by FOX News, a US Central Command X post , and the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.