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A US KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, prompting rescue efforts. Officials said the incident was not caused by hostile fire, while another aircraft landed safely.
US launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28. (Photo: Screengrab: X/Centcom)
UPDATED: Mar 13, 2026 04:59 IST
US forces have launched a rescue operation after a military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, US Central Command said on Thursday.
The aircraft involved was a KC-135 tanker, a key platform used to refuel fighter jets and other military aircraft during long-range missions.
In a statement, US Central Command said two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft landed safely, while the other went down in western Iraq.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the command said, referring to the US military operation targeting Iran.
Officials said the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.
U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the situation is still developing, confirmed that the second aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 tanker.
The United States has recently surged a large number of aircraft into the Middle East as part of military operations alongside Israel against Iran.
The campaign began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets. Since then, the conflict has expanded into a broader regional military operation involving air, naval and missile activity.
The aircraft crash comes amid growing casualties linked to the conflict. Since the strikes began, seven US troops have been killed.
According to a Reuters report earlier this week, as many as 150 American service members have also been wounded in the US-Israeli war on Iran.
US Central Command did not immediately release details about the crew aboard the downed aircraft or the circumstances that led to the crash. Rescue teams were continuing their efforts at the site as officials worked to assess the situation.
- Ends
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Mar 13, 2026 04:59 IST
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