The incident underscores the human toll of the Iran-related conflict, with the crash adding to ongoing casualties in the broader crisis.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members aboard the aircraft.

The incident is breaking news and is being updated as more information becomes available.

Initial reports indicated at least five crew members were aboard, with casualty details not available at that time.

Officials confirmed a second tanker was involved in the event.

A second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, suggesting not all aircraft were lost.

CBS News reported the second plane was also a KC-135 and landed safely in Israel; the other aircraft did not report issues.

Initially, CENTCOM stated two aircraft were involved and one landed safely.

The identities of the deceased will be withheld for 24 hours after families are informed, following standard military protocol.

CENTCOM said the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire and that the circumstances are under investigation, with rescue efforts ongoing for the remaining crew.

Iranian proxy groups claimed responsibility, but U.S. officials maintained there was no hostile-fire influence in the crash.

CENTCOM noted that rescue efforts were under way and provided limited details on crew fate or exact numbers aboard the KC-135.