Tampa (Florida)13 March. The US suffered a major loss amid the war with Iran, when an American refueling plane crashed in Iraq. Four out of six crew members died in this accident. This aircraft was a KC-135 aerial tanker. This type of aircraft is used by the US Army in long-range missions. Its main function is to refuel fighter jets and other military aircraft in mid-air during flight.
US Central Command informed, ‘On March 12, an American KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq. Four of the six crew members on board have been confirmed dead while rescue operations are underway. The reasons for this incident are being investigated. However, the cause of the plane’s crash was not due to enemy fire or firing from its own forces. The identities of service members will be kept confidential until 24 hours have passed after their families are notified.
Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of US KC-135 Over Iraq
TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a US KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.
The…
— US Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026
However, according to news agency Reuters, an Iran-backed Islamic organization operating in Iraq has claimed responsibility for downing the plane. But US Central Command says that there was no enemy action behind this accident.
The US Central Command said in its statement that two military aircraft were involved in this incident. One of the planes landed safely while the other plane crashed in western Iraq. The command also said that the incident occurred during the US operation ‘Epic Fury’ targeting Iran and rescue operations are underway after the accident.
According to the information received, the second aircraft involved in this incident was also a KC-135 tanker. The situation is not completely clear yet, so not much information is being made public. US Central Command said in its statement that more information will be shared as the situation becomes clear. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-backed groups, has claimed that it shot down the American KC-135 refueling plane. The organization says that this step was taken to ‘protect the sovereignty and airspace of our country’.
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