Four US crew members dead after Air Force refueling plane crashes in western Iraq

2026-03-13 - 10:23

US Central Command announced Friday that four American service members have died following the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq. The aircraft went down at approximately 2 pm US Eastern Time on Thursday in an area under the purview of CENTCOM, which oversees military operations across the Middle East and parts of Asia. Rescue efforts continue for remaining crew "Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue," the military statement said. The identities of the fallen service members are being withheld until at least 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, in accordance with standard military protocol. Military rules out hostile fire The military emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though the precise circumstances remain under investigation. CENTCOM earlier reported that two aircraft were involved in the incident, with one refueling aircraft going down in western Iraq while a second tanker landed safely. The clarification suggests the crash resulted from mechanical failure, operational error, or other non-combat factors rather than enemy action. Conflict continues to claim American lives The fatalities add to the mounting American military losses since the US-Israeli campaign against Iran began Feb. 28. The crash brings the total number of US service members killed during the conflict to 12, with dozens more wounded across multiple theaters of operation. As the war enters its third week with no end in sight, American forces continue to operate throughout the region under heightened threat conditions, with non-combat incidents adding to the human cost of the expanded military presence.