A US military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq while participating in operations linked to the war with Iran, while rescue efforts are underway, according to US Central Command.
The aircraft involved was a KC-135 tanker aircraft used for in-flight refueling. The incident occurred during the US military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
US Central Command said the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
“Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft landed safely while the other sank in western Iraq,” the command said in a statement published on X.
US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two planes were involved in the incident. One of the planes crashed in western Iraq and the…
— US Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026
The military described the crashed plane as “a loss” and said rescue operations were continuing.
“More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for patience as we gather additional details and provide clarity to service members’ families,” Central Command said.
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According to the Associated Press (AP), a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the second plane involved was also a KC-135 refueling tanker plane.
The tanker crash is the fourth publicly known aircraft loss related to US operations against Iran since the war began on February 28.
Previously, three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces during fighting in the region. All six crew members of those planes ejected safely and were later recovered.
So far, seven American soldiers have died in combat during the conflict. According to the Pentagon, around 140 US service members have been injured, eight of them seriously.
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KC-135 aircraft have been used by the US Air Force for decades to refuel other military aircraft in flight. Some missions also carry additional crew or passengers depending on operational needs.
We are getting initial reaction from US lawmakers about the crash of a US refueling plane in western Iraq.
Democratic Congressman Jim Himes told BBC Newsnight that it is still “very early” to determine what caused the incident, adding that he hopes the crew who were on board are safe.
“This is part of the inevitable cost of conflict. Even the best militaries do not operate without accidents and that is what appears to have happened here,” he says.
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“We pray for the safety of the crew, but this is the cost that must be paid when a nation goes to war.”
(With contributions from agencies)
