All six crew members aboard a U.S. military refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, the U.S. military said on Friday. The incident occurred amid ongoing U.S. operations in the Middle East targeting Iran, highlighting the dangers even in friendly airspace.
Read More: Iran-backed group claims downing of US refueling aircraft in Iraq
The aircraft, a KC-135 refueling plane, went down during Operation Epic Fury, according to U.S. Central Command. A second KC-135 involved in the operation landed safely. The aircraft type, built by Boeing in the 1950s and 1960s, serves as a backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s in-flight refueling fleet, enabling extended missions without requiring landing.
Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq
TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.
The…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed factions, claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft. In a statement, the group said the attack was carried out “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” This marked a rare direct strike against a U.S. refueling plane in western Iraq, underscoring the risks associated with ongoing regional military operations.
Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28, at least seven U.S. personnel have been killed, and hundreds wounded in related operations. The U.S. has reportedly conducted airstrikes against more than 6,000 targets in Iran, while maintaining a large number of aircraft and support assets in the Gulf and surrounding regions.
Read More: US KC-135 refueling plane crashes in Iraq, killing four crew
Officials emphasized that the crash was a direct result of hostile action claimed by local militia groups, rather than friendly fire. The U.S. military has launched search and rescue operations and is reviewing the incident to assess operational security and safety protocols.
The tragic loss of the KC-135 crew serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the heightened risks faced by U.S. personnel during ongoing missions.