Six members of a United States Air Force were confirmed dead after a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the war with Iran, according to United States Central Command. The aircraft was assisting other US planes involved in operations against Iran when it collided with another Stratotanker. The second aircraft landed safely.
On Saturday, among those killed was Ariana A Bouche, a first lieutenant in the US Air Force. Another victim was Alex Klinner. Tommy Tuberville paid tribute to him in a message on Facebook.
“Heartbreaking to learn that Auburn alumnus and Birmingham resident Major Alex Klinner was among those killed in the KC-135 crash this week,” the senator wrote. “Our state deeply grieves the loss of a father, husband, and a true patriot. I hope every Alabamian will join me in prayer for the Klinner family during this tragic time.”
Family members also identified Tyler Simmons, 28, who served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
A search-and-rescue effort had been launched after the crash to locate two of the crew members who were initially unaccounted for. Officials later confirmed that all six personnel on board had died.
The aircraft was taking part in a combat mission, according to Dan Caine, who spoke at a news conference on Friday.
The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, described the crew as “American heroes”, saying their “sacrifice will only recommit us to the resolve of this mission”.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, manufactured by Boeing, is designed to refuel aircraft mid-air and plays a major role in US military operations. It was widely used during the Gulf War to extend the range of fighter jets and bombers.
Centcom earlier said the crash occurred over friendly airspace, although the region of Iraq where it happened is known to host militias aligned with Iran.
Iran’s military later claimed on state television that an allied group had targeted the aircraft with a missile.
Thursday’s crash brings the official US military death toll in the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which began about two weeks ago, to 13.
The US military has also lost several aircraft during the conflict. Earlier this month, three F-15 Eagle aircraft were shot down in what officials described as an apparent friendly-fire incident over Kuwait. All six crew members on those aircraft were able to eject safely.
