News Desk: At least four United States military personnel were killed after a US Air Force refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during an operational mission, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Friday.
The aircraft, identified as a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down at around 2 pm Eastern Time on March 12. Officials said six crew members were on board when the aircraft crashed.
Four service members died after a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq on Thursday while supporting operations in Iran, military officials said. https://t.co/5nLvySZbwm
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 13, 2026
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site to carry out search and recovery operations. CENTCOM confirmed that four crew members have been declared dead, while efforts are continuing to locate and assist the remaining personnel.
Authorities clarified that the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
Officials also said the identities of the deceased service members will be released only after their families have been formally notified.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a key aerial refuelling aircraft used by the US Air Force to support fighter jets, bombers and other military aircraft during long-range operations.
