By Our Correspondent
National News – The United States military has identified six service members who died after a refuelling aircraft crashed during a combat mission in western Iraq.
The aircraft, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker used for mid-air refuelling operations, went down during ongoing American military operations linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Authorities confirmed that all six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the incident.
The victims were named as John Klinner, 33, from Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, from Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, from Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, from Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, also from Ohio.
According to the United States Department of Defense, the first three served in the U.S. Air Force, while the remaining three were members of the National Guard.
Military officials said the tanker aircraft was conducting a combat-related mission when the crash occurred in friendly airspace over western Iraq near the Jordanian border.
Another aircraft involved in the operation landed safely.
Early reports from investigators suggest the possibility of a midair collision, though authorities say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The U.S. military has stated that there was no indication that the aircraft was shot down by hostile or friendly fire.
However, claims from pro-Iranian groups have suggested that the aircraft may have been targeted by a missile, a claim that has not been confirmed by American officials.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing them as “American heroes” who served their country with dedication and bravery.
He said their sacrifice reflects the risks faced by military personnel conducting operations in volatile regions.
The crash adds to the rising number of casualties linked to the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began with joint strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year.
With this incident, the total number of U.S. service members killed in the conflict has reached 13.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker has been a vital part of the U.S. military’s air refuelling fleet since the late 1950s, enabling fighter jets and bombers to stay airborne for extended missions without landing.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
