US identifies six soldiers killed in Iraq tanker crash

Defence affairs - Def-Geopolitics on X

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.

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.

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.