US identifies six soldiers killed in Iraq tanker crash
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- Six American troops died after a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.
- Incident is under investigation; Pentagon says no hostile fire involved.
The US Department of Defense confirmed Saturday the identities of six soldiers who died in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in western Iraq earlier this week. Officials emphasized the crash was not caused by hostile fire.
The deceased are:
- John Kleiner, 33, Auburn, Alabama
- Ariana Savino, 31, Covington, Washington
- Ashley Pruitt, 34, Bardstown, Kentucky
- Seth Koval, 38, Morrisville, Indiana
- Curtis Angst, 30, Wilmington, Ohio
- Tyler Simons, 28, Columbus, Ohio
The first three served in the US Air Force, while the latter three were with the Air National Guard. A second aircraft involved in the operation landed safely.
Circumstances under review
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the crash was not due to enemy or friendly fire, and investigations are ongoing.
Read more: US military says aircraft crash in Iraq killed 4 crew members
Pro-Iranian armed factions in Iraq claimed responsibility for targeting two KC-135 aircraft in western Iraq, asserting the second plane managed an emergency landing.
Context amid US-'Israel'-Iran war
Since the US and 'Israel' launched operations against Iran on February 28, pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have conducted daily drone and missile attacks on US and allied bases across the region.
Read more: Qatar expresses solidarity with UAE after two soldiers killed
This crash marks at least the fourth American military aircraft lost since the start of the conflict, following three F-15E jets mistakenly shot down by Kuwait early in the war. All crews of the F-15Es survived after ejecting.
CENTCOM confirmed those incidents occurred amid Iranian drone, ballistic missile, and aerial attacks targeting coalition forces.
