US Central Command previously stated that 'the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,' yet Pentagon officials said the crash remains under investigation. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, meanwhile, claimed to have downed a KC-135.

The representatives for the movement say "suitable weapons" were used for the purpose

In a statement, U.S. Central Command said it was carrying out rescue efforts after the U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down.