All Six U.S. Service Members Aboard Military Refueling Aircraft Crash in Western Iraq Confirmed Dead

All six U.S. service members aboard a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command announced Friday. The aircraft went down on March 12 while conducting a mid-air refueling mission in support of ongoing operations linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.

CENTCOM stated that the plane was lost over “friendly airspace” during Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian targets. Another KC‑135 on the same mission returned safely.

U.S. officials emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and the circumstances remain under investigation. The identities of the six crew members are being withheld until their next of kin have been notified.

Despite U.S. claims, a coalition of Iran-aligned Iraqi militias known as **Islamic Resistance in Iraq** has claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. U.S. authorities have rejected these claims, maintaining that no external attack caused the crash.

The loss highlights the ongoing risks of high-tempo aerial operations in the region. The KC‑135 fleet, which has been in service for decades, plays a critical role in refueling combat aircraft during extended missions.

Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the crash, and further updates are expected in the coming days.