Six US airmen confirmed dead after KC-135 refueling tanker crashes in Western Iraq

Florida: The U.S. military confirmed on Friday that all six airmen aboard a refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq have perished.

"All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased," the military stated in a Friday announcement. The vessel was lost on March 12 while transiting through friendly airspace as part of Operation Epic Fury.

According to military officials, the cause of the crash remains the subject of an ongoing investigation. However, authorities have clarified that the loss of the aircraft did not result from hostile engagement or friendly fire.

The names of the fallen service members are currently being withheld, in accordance with Department of Defence policy, until 24 hours have passed following the notification of their next of kin.