The Islamic Republic of Iran and its regional allies have claimed responsibility for the downing of a United States aerial refueling aircraft, marking a potentially dangerous escalation in the ongoing war between Tehran, the United States, and Israel.
Iranian-aligned armed groups announced that they shot down a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, a key aircraft used to refuel fighter jets and bombers during combat operations.
The aircraft reportedly crashed over western Iraq, killing all six crew members on board.
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The KC-135 is one of the most critical components of US air operations because it allows warplanes to remain in the air for extended missions by refueling them mid-flight.
While Iran-linked groups insist the aircraft was shot down by air defenses, U.S. officials have disputed the claim.
The U.S. military said the crash occurred during an “incident” between two refueling aircraft in friendly airspace, and insisted there is currently no evidence the aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire.
The Pentagon said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, In a separate development, reports indicated that Iranian missile strikes hit several American refueling planes at a major air base in Saudi Arabia, damaging at least five aircraft on the ground during the attacks.
Military analysts say targeting refueling aircraft represents a strategic move aimed at crippling the U.S. air campaign.