RAMADI (Iraq)/Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel), Mar 13 (INS): West Asia
faced one of its most volatile 24-hour periods since the commencement of Operation
Epic Fury on February 28 as a US military refueling aircraft crashed in western
Iraq and Iranian-linked drone strikes reached the heart of Dubai’s luxury districts.
At least five crew members were aboard the military aircraft.
Late Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of the US Air
Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker aircraft in western
Iraq near the Jordanian border. According to military officials, the incident
involved another refueling tanker operating in "friendly airspace."
While the first aircraft crashed near Turaibil, the second sustained significant
damage—including the reported loss of a portion of its tail—but managed an emergency
landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel after signaling a "7700" international
emergency code.
CENTCOM has explicitly stated the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly
fire, pointing instead to a mid-air accident during grueling operational tempos.
The incident "was not due to hostile or friendly fire", the US Central Command
said. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
The mid-air tankers have a major role in wars. They keep fighter jets and bombers
fuelled for combat when aircraft have to fly long distances to hit the target.
At least five crew members were aboard the downed vessel. Their status remains
officially unknown as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) teams
navigate the crash site.
This marks the fourth crewed US aircraft lost since the conflict began on February
28.
An unseen Khamenei's statement
Meanwhile, a lengthy written message—the first since he took over—from the
new Khameini was read out on State television on Thursday, outlining his views
on the war plans. It demanded reparations from attackers and no effort to end
the war nor any promise of reform the US demands. It aso affirmed that the Strait
of Murmuz will remain closed.
Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed
on the first day of the current Gulf war. But he has not been seen live or heard
in a recorded message on State TV so far.
Fire at Dubai Creek Harbour
The conflict spilled further into civilian sectors as a wave of Iranian drones
and missiles targeted the United Arab Emirates.
In the early hours of Friday, an Iranian drone struck the Address Creek Harbour,
a luxury residential tower in one of Dubai’s most prominent waterfront districts.
Dramatic footage on social media showed flames engulfing several upper floor
apartments. The Dubai Media Office reported that Civil Defence teams brought
the fire under control quickly, and while the building was evacuated, no casualties
were reported.
Debris from other successful interceptions also struck a building facade on
Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s main artery, shattering glass but causing no injuries.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated it had intercepted a total of 10 ballistic
missiles and 26 drones in the latest barrage.
Address Creek Harbour: It is a 5-star luxury hotel and premium residential
complex located in the new Dubai Creek Harbour waterfront district, just 10
minutes from Downtown Dubai.
Strait of Hormuz in chokehold
To the east, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed as maritime warfare
intensifies. The International Maritime Organization and UKMTO reported multiple
commercial vessels under fire.
The Mayuree Naree: A Thai-flagged bulk carrier caught fire after being
struck by a projectile near the Omani coast; 20 crew members were rescued, while
three remain missing.
Two tankers hit in Gulf: US-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked
by Iranian dromes in the Gulf near Basra, Iraq, on Wednesday, killing one Indian
crew. Another tanker, Zefyros, owned by a Greek, was also attacked in the Persian
Gulf same time.
Naval mines: US intelligence warned that Iran has begun sowing naval
mines within the shipping lanes. In response, President Trump announced that
US forces had already destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers.
Shipping traffic has plummeted by over 70%, sending Brent crude prices surging
past $90 per barrel. With the IRGC claiming "complete control" of the waterway
and the US intensifying strikes on Iranian launch sites, the global energy supply
chain is facing its worst severe disruption in decades.
French casualty: A French soldier was killed during a drone attack in
Iraq's Erbil region, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced. Six French
soldiers have also been wounded in a drone attack in the Erbil. He named Chief
Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion as the first French military death. "To his family,
to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity
of the nation," Macron wrote on social media.
According to a release by the US Central Command, the US has struck 6,000 targets
in Iran during Operation Epic Fury, including about 60 ships and 30 minelaying
vessels the US has damaged or destroyed.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent has said the US has
allowed countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum that's currently
loaded on vessels at sea. It is a temporary measure to "promote stability in
global energy markets" during the war. The authorisation will last until 11
April, he said.
) 
