Western Iraq — Six United States service members have died after a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft went down during a mission over western Iraq, according to officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The fatal incident occurred on March 12, 2026, while the aircraft was operating in what authorities described as friendly airspace.
Military officials confirmed that all six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed when the KC-135 tanker was lost during operations connected to Operation Epic Fury.
A U.S. military mission currently being conducted in the region. The aircraft went down at approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
According to the preliminary information released by CENTCOM, the crash occurred after two KC-135 refueling aircraft were involved in what was described as an “incident” while flying over western Iraq.
One of the aircraft subsequently went down, while the second KC-135 tanker landed safely without reported casualties.
During a briefing at the U.S. Department of Defense, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, clarified that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.
Officials emphasized that the aircraft was conducting a combat mission but that the event appears to have resulted from an accident rather than enemy action.
Authorities have stated that the identities of the six deceased service members will not be publicly released until next of kin notifications are completed.
Military officials explained that this process must be finalized before the names of those who died can be confirmed publicly.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving aerial refueling aircraft used by the United States Air Force to extend the range of military aircraft by providing fuel mid-air.
Unlike many fighter jets, KC-135 aircraft do not have ejection seats or parachutes, and crew members are trained to evacuate the aircraft only when it is on the ground or after water landings.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash and to understand what occurred during the interaction between the two refueling aircraft.
Military officials said investigators will analyze flight data, communications, and operational procedures as part of the review.
The loss of the six service members has deeply affected the U.S. military community as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the incident in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
