An Iran-backed armed coalition known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for downing a US military aircraft in western Iraq. According to a live report by Al Jazeera, the group stated on its official Telegram channel that its fighters used an air defense system to target a US KC-135 refueling aircraft, which they claimed was shot down.

The US military has denied the claim. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday that two aircraft were involved in the incident, which occurred in 'friendly airspace.' According to CENTCOM, one aircraft crashed in western Iraq while the other landed safely in Israel. The command emphasized that the crash was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire.

The conflicting accounts highlight ongoing tensions in the region, though no independent verification of the militia’s claim or the cause of the crash has been reported in the source.