- US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during an operation against Iran.
- United States Central Command said the crash did not result from hostile or friendly fire.
- Up to six US service members were reportedly on board.
- Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.
- Rescue operations were launched while the second aircraft involved landed safely.
A US military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday (12) while participating in a regional operation targeting Iran, prompting immediate rescue efforts for the crew on board.
According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the aircraft involved was a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a key refueling platform used by the US Air Force to support long-range combat and surveillance missions. Officials said the incident occurred in what they described as “friendly airspace” and involved another aircraft operating in the same area.
CENTCOM said the crash took place during Operation Epic Fury, the name given to the current US campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. While details about the cause of the crash remain under investigation, officials emphasized that early assessments indicate it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
A second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, according to US officials. An American defense official, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss operational details publicly, said the other aircraft was also a KC-135 tanker. The aircraft that went down reportedly carried as many as six US service members.
Following the crash, CENTCOM launched search and rescue operations in the region to locate and assist the crew. Authorities have not yet confirmed the condition or status of the personnel on board.
Shortly after news of the incident emerged, the Iran-aligned militia coalition known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued a statement claiming responsibility for shooting down the US aircraft. The group described the attack as an act carried out “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” US officials have not confirmed the claim and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker has been a critical part of the US military’s air refueling fleet for decades. Developed in the late 1950s and based on the design of the Boeing 707, the tanker enables combat and surveillance aircraft to remain airborne longer by refueling them mid-flight. Despite its age, the KC-135 continues to serve as a backbone of U.S. aerial refueling operations worldwide.
The crash comes amid escalating tensions in the region following joint US and Israel strikes against Iranian targets that began on February 28. Since the campaign started, the United States has carried out strikes against thousands of targets across Iran as part of efforts to weaken Iranian military capabilities.
The ongoing conflict has also taken a toll on US forces. Reports indicate that seven American troops have been killed since operations began, while dozens more have been wounded. Earlier this week, reports suggested that as many as 150 U.S. personnel may have been injured during the campaign.
The crash occurred on the same day another non-combat incident affected US forces in the region. Two sailors were injured after a fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), though officials said that the incident was unrelated to combat operations.
The broader conflict has also resulted in significant civilian casualties across the region. More than 2,000 people have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated, including hundreds in Lebanon.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations proceed, the crash highlights the operational risks faced by military forces even in areas considered secure airspace. US officials say further details will be released once more information becomes available.
