Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 05:33 IST
CENTCOM, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft were involved in the incident.

US KC-135 military plane crashes in Iraq amid Iran war. (Representative Image)
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday confirmed that a US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
CENTCOM, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second landed safely.
The command said ‘it 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 second landed safely. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire’.
It is unclear whether the pilot and crew members survived the crash.
Over 150 US troops injured in US-Iran war
Since the US and Israel started carrying out strikes against Iran on February 28, seven U.S. troops have been killed. Reuters reported on Tuesday that as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Early in the conflict in the Middle East, Kuwaiti forces accidentally shot down three US F-15E fighter jets in an incident of friendly fire. According to US Central Command, the aircraft were lost during intense combat operations that involved attacks from Iranian aircraft as well as ballistic missiles and drones. Despite the loss of the jets, all six crew members aboard the fighters were able to eject safely.
First Published:
March 13, 2026, 05:33 IST
News world US KC-135 Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq During Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM Confirms
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