A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all six U.S. service members on board during a mission for Operation Epic Fury.
Fatal Crash in Western Iraq
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed on Thursday, killing all six crew members during military operations.
Conflicting Reports on Cause
U.S. Central Command initially ruled out hostile fire, but the Iran-backed 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq' claimed responsibility for downing the plane.
Operation Epic Fury
The aircraft was participating in a U.S. military operation directed against Iran at the time of the incident.
Official Response
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the loss and addressed the tragedy during a press briefing.
All six U.S. service members aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker were killed when their aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The KC-135 Stratotanker was participating in "Operation Epic Fury," a military campaign directed against Iran, when the incident occurred. U.S. Central Command confirmed the fatalities on Friday after initial reports suggested varying casualty counts. A second KC-135 aircraft involved in the same mission was able to land safely at a nearby base. The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1957 and has remained a critical component of global power projection for decades. While the fleet has undergone numerous engine and avionics upgrades, the airframes themselves are among the oldest in the American inventory. Previous major incidents involving the type include a 2013 crash in Kyrgyzstan caused by a flight control system malfunction.
The cause of the crash remains a subject of conflicting reports between military officials and local militant groups. CENTCOM initially stated that the crash did not appear to be the result of hostile or friendly fire. However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed umbrella group, issued a statement claiming responsibility for downing the aircraft. The group cited the defense of Iraqi sovereignty as the motivation for the alleged attack. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the loss during a press briefing, characterizing the event as a tragic crash while the investigation continues. „This was a tragic crash that resulted in the loss of six of our finest service members during a critical mission” — Pete Hegseth via Reuters
President Donald Trump also acknowledged the incident as recovery efforts and a formal investigation were launched at the crash site. The loss of the six crew members represents one of the deadliest single incidents for U.S. forces in the region during recent operations. Military investigators are currently analyzing flight data and wreckage to determine if mechanical failure or external factors contributed to the mid-air emergency. The names of the deceased service members are being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin. 6 (personnel) — total fatalities confirmed by U.S. Central Command KC-135 Crash Sequence: — ; — ; — ; —