Four U.S. crew members have been confirmed dead after a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command.
The aircraft involved was a KC-135 refueling plane operating in what officials described as friendly airspace.
Two other crew members were also on board the aircraft when the crash occurred. Rescue operations are still underway as officials continue to assess the situation.
The incident was confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations across the Middle East.
Military Confirms Casualties
Centcom announced the deaths in a statement posted on social media Friday morning.
Officials said four of the six crew members aboard the KC-135 aircraft were confirmed deceased following the crash.
The identities of the service members have not yet been released.
Military officials said the names will remain withheld for at least 24 hours until next of kin are notified.
Second Aircraft Landed Safely
According to reports, the crashed plane was part of a two aircraft operation.
A second KC-135 refueling aircraft involved in the mission landed safely after the incident.
The cause of the crash has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Investigators are expected to examine flight data and operational conditions to determine what went wrong.
Information about military aviation safety investigations is handled by agencies including the U.S. Air Force.
Rising Tensions Across Iraq
The crash comes during a period of escalating military tensions across Iraq and the wider Middle East.
Recent drone attacks have targeted several military installations in the region.
A French military base in Erbil was struck during one such attack, injuring several soldiers and killing one French service member.
Officials said a helicopter was hit during the strike.
Multiple Drone Attacks Reported
Explosions were also reported near Erbil International Airport, an area that houses a U.S. military base and the U.S. Consulate.
Iranian drone attacks have also reportedly targeted positions linked to British Special Forces in Iraq.
British forces responded to one attack using the Martlet missile defense system.
Security experts say the growing number of strikes could pull more international forces into the conflict.
Investigation Continues
Officials are still investigating the exact cause of the KC-135 crash.
Military authorities say additional information will be released once rescue teams complete their operations and investigators review the crash site.
The loss of the aircraft and crew members highlights the risks facing military personnel operating in the region.
For now, the Pentagon says its focus remains on supporting the families of the service members involved while determining what caused the deadly incident.