A rescue operation is underway after a United States military aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a mission linked to Operation Epic Fury, according to officials from US Central Command. The aircraft, identified as a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down in what the military described as an incident occurring in “friendly airspace”, with the cause still under investigation.
Incident during aerial refuelling mission
The crash occurred on 12 March while the aircraft was supporting ongoing US military operations connected to the conflict with Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), two aircraft were involved in the incident. One tanker crashed in western Iraq while the second aircraft, which was also involved, managed to land safely.
Officials emphasised that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, suggesting that the event may have resulted from an operational or technical problem during the mission.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a core asset of the US Air Force, designed to refuel fighter jets and other aircraft mid-flight, allowing long-range missions and sustained air operations. The aircraft type has been in service for decades and remains a critical part of American global air-power logistics.
Rescue operations underway
US military officials confirmed that rescue and recovery operations began immediately after the crash. The status of the crew members aboard the aircraft has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Initial reports suggest that several personnel were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Recovery teams are working in the remote crash area in western Iraq, where coalition forces maintain operational presence.
The second aircraft involved in the incident reportedly sustained damage but was able to return safely, preventing a potentially more serious loss.
Part of a wider regional conflict
The crash occurred amid escalating military operations in the Middle East following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a campaign involving US and allied forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure and regional proxies.
The broader conflict has already resulted in several incidents involving coalition forces and equipment losses. Military analysts note that high-tempo air operations, particularly complex aerial refuelling manoeuvres, can carry significant operational risk even outside direct combat situations.
Officials have not yet released details about the exact cause of the crash, and an investigation is expected once the rescue and recovery phase is completed.
For now, the priority remains locating the crew and securing the crash site as US forces continue operations across the region.
Newshub Editorial in Middle East – March 13, 2026
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