US Military Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq: Crew Status Unknown

Baghdad, Iraq – A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026, according to statements released by the U.S. Central Command. The incident marks the latest in a series of escalating events in the region as the U.S. Continues operations against Iran.

Officials reported that six military personnel were aboard the aircraft. The fate of the crew remains unconfirmed as of Friday, March 13, 2026. The KC-135 was operating in Iraqi airspace during “Operation Epic Fury,” the ongoing U.S. Military operation against Iran, when the incident occurred.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are underway,” the U.S. Central Command stated in a press release. A second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. Authorities have ruled out enemy or friendly fire as a cause of the crash, but have not yet detailed the reason for the incident.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a key component of U.S. Aerial refueling capabilities, having been in service since 1957 with over 800 units manufactured. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 707 civilian airliner.

According to reports from CBS News, the downed aircraft is not equipped with ejection seats, potentially reducing the chances of survival for those on board. Rescue operations are currently in progress.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with U.S. And Israeli forces conducting strikes against Iranian targets. The U.S. Has deployed a significant number of aircraft to the region to support these operations.

Meanwhile, Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency offered a different account of the crash, claiming the plane was shot down by a missile launched by resistance groups in Iraq, and that all crew members were killed. This claim has not been independently verified.

This is at least the fourth U.S. Military aircraft lost during the current conflict. Three F-15s were previously downed by friendly fire over Kuwait, but all six crew members were able to eject safely. The development underscores growing regional instability and the risks associated with ongoing military operations.

The U.S. Central Command has stated that further details will be released as they grow available. “We ask for your understanding and patience as we gather additional details and clarify the situation for the families of the service members,” officials said.