US Refuelling Aircraft Crash in Iraq Leaves Four Crew Members Dead
Four crew members of a United States military aerial refuelling aircraft have been confirmed dead after their plane crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission, according to the United States Central Command (Centcom).
The aircraft, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, went down on Thursday while taking part in ongoing American military operations connected to the conflict involving Iran. Two additional crew members were on board the aircraft, and search-and-rescue efforts are continuing as authorities attempt to locate them.
Centcom stated that the crash occurred at approximately 14:00 Eastern Time (19:00 GMT). Initial assessments indicate that the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire, though the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
The KC-135 was operating alongside another aircraft during the mission. Military officials confirmed that the second aircraft landed safely.
The tanker aircraft, produced by Boeing, is designed to refuel other planes mid-air, significantly extending the range and duration of military operations. The KC-135 fleet has long been a critical part of the US Air Force’s aerial refuelling capability and played a major operational role during the Gulf War.
Centcom said the identities of the deceased crew members would not be released for at least 24 hours to allow time for their families to be informed.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dan Caine confirmed the aircraft had crashed while carrying out a combat mission. He added that the situation is still being treated as an active rescue and recovery operation.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth praised the fallen service members, calling them “American heroes” and saying their sacrifice would strengthen the United States’ determination to continue the mission.
The KC-135 typically carries a minimum crew of three — a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator responsible for managing the refuelling system — although additional personnel can be aboard depending on the mission.
Iranian state media claimed that an allied militia group had targeted the aircraft with a missile, though US officials have not confirmed such claims. The crash occurred over an area of Iraq where several pro-Iranian militia groups are known to operate.
The incident raises the number of confirmed US military fatalities in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran to 11. The US military has also lost at least four aircraft since the conflict escalated.
Earlier this month, three F-15 Eagle jets were reportedly destroyed in what officials described as a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait. All six crew members involved in that episode were able to eject safely.
Separately, Israel said its forces carried out a large wave of air strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran on Friday, with explosions reported in and around the Iranian capital.
At the same time, tensions in the region have affected global energy markets. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel amid concerns over threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global oil shipments.
