US tanker aircraft crash in Iraq kills Six crew

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All six crew members aboard a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq have now been confirmed dead, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

The US military updated an earlier report that had confirmed four casualties, saying all personnel on board the refuelling aircraft died in the incident.

CENTCOM said the tanker aircraft was lost on March 12 while operating in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

Authorities said an investigation into the crash is ongoing but stressed that the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire.

The aircraft was carrying six crew members at the time of the accident.

Initial rescue operations were launched after the crash as officials searched for possible survivors, but the military has now confirmed that none of the crew survived.

The KC-135, widely used by the United States Air Force, is a refuelling aircraft designed to extend the range and endurance of military planes during operations across the region.