U.S. Military KC-135 Stratotanker Crashes in Iraq

A U.S. military KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during operations, as confirmed by the United States Central Command. The incident occurred in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile fire.

Two aircraft were involved in the crash, with the second landing safely. Rescue efforts are currently ongoing.

The KC-135 Stratotanker, which typically carries a crew of 3 to 5 members, is essential for extending air operations by providing fuel to fighter jets and bombers mid-flight. The crew's identities have not yet been disclosed.

This crash marks at least the fourth U.S. aircraft lost in the Middle East conflict, following earlier incidents where three F-15 fighter jets were shot down in Kuwait due to friendly fire, although the crew members ejected safely. The KC-135, built in the 1950s and 1960s, remains a cornerstone of the U.S. aerial refueling fleet, enabling long-range combat missions without the need to land.