U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker Crashes in Iraq

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, which targets Iranian military infrastructure.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident in a statement released on Thursday.

Officials clarified that the crash did not result from hostile fire but involved friendly fire between two aircraft. While one aircraft went down, the second managed to land safely, and rescue operations were immediately initiated to assist the crew members involved.

As of now, authorities have not confirmed any casualties. This incident marks the fourth publicly acknowledged loss of a U.S. aircraft since the war began, highlighting the complexities of ongoing combat operations in the Middle East.

The crash occurs amid heightened tensions following a significant U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, which commenced on February 28, 2026, aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities and curbing its influence in the region.