India, March 14 -- US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, a 28-year-old airman from Columbus, Ohio, was among six American servicemembers killed after a military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, according to officials and local media reports.

The aircraft, identified as a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down Thursday while supporting operations in the region. US Central Command said the crash followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft operating in friendly airspace, while the second aircraft was able to land safely.

Political leaders from Ohio paid tribute after news of the crash emerged. In a post on X, Joyce Beatty said she was "heartbroken" to learn that Simmons was among the six servicemembers killed.

"My heart is...