Two US airmen were killed in the crash of an Iraqi plane named | World News

Two airmen who died when a US plane crashed in Iraq have been named.

Alex Klinner, 33, deployed less than a week before his refueling plane crashes in western Iraq on March 12.

All six crew members died.

“It’s kind of sad to say, he was a very good father and loved his family very much, loved his family very much,” said his brother-in-law, James Harrill.

The eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, recently moved with his family to a new home, his wife, Libby Klinner, said in a social media post.

Tyler Simmons of Columbus, Ohio was also on the plane, his mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed.

An Iranian proxy umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the downing of the plane but US authorities insisted it was “not due to enemy fire or friendly fire”.

The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting operations against Iran, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred, according to US Central Command.

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The other plane landed safely, US military officials said.

Mr. Klinner leaves behind 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, Harrill said.

In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Simmons’ family said his “smile could brighten up any room.”

“His parents, grandparents, family and friends mourn the loss of life,” they added.

The Pentagon has not confirmed the identities of the six people, but families began revealing who died on Saturday.

The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing said in a post on social media that three of the airmen who died had served with their unit.

“We share the grief of our loved ones, and we must never forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they left on our organization,” they said.