US KC‑135 Refueling Aircraft Crashes In Western Iraq, Rescue Underway
US Air Force refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq; rescue mission ongoing.
A U.S. Air Force KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, while supporting ongoing military operations in the region, and a rescue mission is underway to locate and assist the crew, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
The incident occurred in what U.S. officials described as friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury — the ongoing campaign connected to the escalating conflict involving Iran. Two KC‑135 aircraft were involved: one went down, while the other landed safely after the event.
CENTCOM said initial reports indicate the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and that the precise circumstances leading to the aircraft’s loss are under investigation. Details about the crew’s condition remain unconfirmed, though U.S. forces have mobilised search‑and‑rescue teams to the crash site.
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The Stratotanker involved is part of a long‑serving fleet of refueling aircraft critical to U.S. air operations; the KC‑135 design has underpinned aerial refueling missions for more than six decades, enabling fighters and support aircraft to extend range and endurance.
In a related development, an Iran‑aligned militant coalition, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed responsibility for bringing down the aircraft, asserting the attack was meant to defend Iraqi airspace — underscoring the tensions between U.S. forces and local militia groups amid the broader regional conflict.
So far, there have been no official confirmations of casualties, and CENTCOM has stressed that updates will be provided as they become available. The U.S. military continues efforts to secure the area and recover personnel and wreckage while probing the cause of the crash.
This incident marks another aviation loss for U.S. forces in the region during heightened operations, following previous aircraft accidents and operational hazards associated with combat missions.
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