Despite the “resistance” claiming responsibility, the US military maintains that the aircraft did not crash in Iraq due to hostile fire.
Despite the “resistance” claiming responsibility, the US military maintains that the aircraft did not crash in Iraq due to hostile fire.
2026-03-13 05:23
Shafaq News – Washington
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Keane confirmed on Friday that the refueling plane that crashed in western Iraq was not hit by hostile fire, but rather due to a “technical” reason, while noting a range of options Washington has to deal with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
During a joint press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Keane said, “The refueling plane crashed in western Iraq due to a technical malfunction and not to hostile or friendly fire.”
Early Friday morning, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft had gone missing during operations in western Iraq, noting that search and rescue operations were still underway.
The command said in a statement seen by Shafaq News Agency that the incident involved two aircraft in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury , one of which crashed in western Iraq, while the other landed safely.
The KC-135 aircraft play a pivotal role in the ongoing military operation against Iran, providing aerial refueling for long-range bombers and fighters, enabling them to remain in operational areas for extended periods.
Regarding the war with Iran, Keane stressed that Washington has a range of options for dealing with threats in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that “Iran still has the ability to block navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and it is holding it hostage and has planted mines.”
He continued: “Today will be the most intense day of strikes on Iran, and we continue to destroy weapons factories and military installations in Iran,” adding: “We have attacked about six thousand targets and Iran’s power is diminishing. We have seen a decrease in Iranian missile launches and suicide attack drones.”
Kane explained: “We have prioritized attacking Iranian naval bases and warships, and we are also targeting the defense industry to ensure that Iran cannot threaten our interests.”
shafaq.com
