TAMPA, Fla. – March 13, 2026: All six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq have now been confirmed deceased, according to officials. The aircraft was lost on March 12, 2026, while operating over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. military operation in the region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the KC-135 was conducting an operational mission at the time of the incident when it was involved in an accident that resulted in the loss of the aircraft. Search and recovery teams were deployed immediately following the crash.
Authorities emphasized that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, ruling out enemy action as a factor in the crash. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation as military officials and aviation experts work to determine the sequence of events that led to the loss of the aircraft.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, a key aerial refueling platform of the U.S. Air Force, plays a crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft during military operations worldwide.
Officials stated that the identities of the six service members will not be released until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses and recovery operations at the crash site continue.
