US military aircraft crashes in western Iraq
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker has crashed in western Iraq near the border with Jordan while participating in operations against Iran, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), another military aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing. Officials stressed that the crash was not caused by enemy fire.
U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026
The KC-135 had six crew members on board. Search and rescue operations are underway, but no details have yet been released.
❗️🇮🇷⚔️🇺🇲🇮🇱 - U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker Crashes in Western Iraq During Operation Epic Fury
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) March 13, 2026
Video footage released by an Iraqi outlet shows two U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft—specialized in combat search and rescue—flying at low altitude over western Iraq tonight,… pic.twitter.com/nwPBbyOLFi
Refueling aircraft are responsible for maintaining the necessary fuel levels in fighter jets and bombers used in long-range combat missions to achieve their targets.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is the backbone of the US Air Force’s refueling fleet and plays a critical role in enabling aircraft to carry out missions without the need for landing.
The downed KC-135 became the fourth manned US aircraft lost this month during combat operations against Iran.
Earlier this month, three F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait. All six crew members were able to eject safely.
Earlier, it was reported that Kuwait's civil aviation authority said several drones targeted Kuwait International Airport on Thursday morning, causing material damage but no injuries.
