Two women were among six United States Air Force personnel killed when their refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq during a combat mission last week. The aircraft went down in what officials described as friendly airspace, and another United States aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. The government has said the crash was an accident, despite an Iranian group initially claiming responsibility.

The victims included Captain Ariana Savino, 31, of Washington, and Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky. Savino was remembered by loved ones as an outstanding service member, while Pruitt, who had a three-year-old daughter, was mourned for the profound loss felt by her family and fellow airmen. The four other crew members were Major John Kilnner, Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons.

The crash brings the United States military death toll in the Iran conflict to 13 and marks the loss of at least four aircraft so far. The refuelling plane played a key role in sustaining bomber and fighter jet missions, and its loss has affected aerial operations. Meanwhile, additional United States fighter jets have been deployed to bases in the Middle East as the conflict continues.