3 Ohio Air National Guard members were among six U.S. service members killed after a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, officials said.

3 Ohio Air National Guard Members Among 6 Killed in Iraq Aircraft Crash

3 members of the Ohio Air National Guard were among six U.S. service members killed when a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed Thursday in western Iraq, officials said.

The Ohio Adjutant General’s Department identified the Ohio service members as Seth Koval, Curtis Angst, and Tyler Simmons.

According to officials, Koval, 28, of Stoutsville, served as the aircraft commander and had 19 years of military service. Angst, 30, of Columbus, was a KC-135 pilot with 10 years of service. Simmons, 28, an Eastmoor Academy High School graduate, served as a boom operator and had eight years of service.

The three were deployed with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which operates out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

The U.S. Department of Defense said three other crew members also died in the crash: John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.

Officials with United States Central Command said the crash occurred after an unspecified incident involving the refueling aircraft and another plane while flying in what was described as “friendly airspace.” The other aircraft involved reportedly landed safely in Israel.

Following the news, Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff across the state to honor the three fallen service members.

Flags will remain lowered at public buildings and grounds until sunset on the day of their funerals.

Maj. Gen. Matthew Woodruff, adjutant general of Ohio, said the loss deeply affects the state’s military community.

“Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard,” Woodruff said in a statement.

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North Korea tested cruise missiles as tensions rise globally, following U.S. military movements to the Middle East and ongoing regional security concerns.

North Korea Tests Cruise Missiles Amid U.S. Military Moves to Middle East

North Korea has conducted new strategic cruise missile tests as global tensions continue to rise following recent U.S. military movements to the Middle East.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the missile launches alongside his teenage daughter during a military review.

Images released by state media showed the pair watching the launch footage in a control room as missiles were fired from the Choe Hyon, a warship that entered service about a year ago.

State media reported that the missiles successfully struck targets on islands off North Korea’s west coast. Kim emphasized the need to maintain what he described as a strong and reliable nuclear deterrent.

His daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, has appeared with him at several high-profile military events since 2022, sparking speculation that she could one day play a larger leadership role.

The tests come as tensions increase in multiple regions, including the Middle East, where the United States has recently repositioned military assets amid ongoing conflict and security concerns.

Meanwhile, senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, criticized U.S. and allied military activities, warning that North Korea would continue strengthening its defense capabilities.

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