Four US Crew Members Killed in KC-135 Aircraft Crash in Iraq, Military Says

The United States has confirmed the deaths of four crew members after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, the military announced on Friday.

In a statement, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the crash occurred Thursday at about 2:00 pm Eastern Time (1900 GMT). Another aircraft involved in the incident landed without problems.

“Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue,” the command said in a post on X.

CENTCOM stressed that the aircraft was not lost due to enemy or friendly fire and said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the crash.

The fatalities increase the total number of US service members killed in the ongoing conflict with Iran to at least 11.

Earlier reports from Iran’s military claimed that an allied Iraqi group had downed the aircraft with a missile.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also said it shot down a KC-135 tanker and targeted another plane that managed to escape.

Since the war began on February 28, the alliance has claimed daily attacks on American interests across Iraq and the wider Middle East, although it rarely identifies the specific targets.

The KC-135 tanker — used by the United States Air Force to refuel other aircraft mid-air — has been in service for more than 60 years. It normally carries a crew of three consisting of a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator, though some missions also require a navigator.

Air Force data also indicates the aircraft can transport up to 37 passengers.

The crash marks the fourth US aircraft lost in the conflict. Earlier in the war, three F-15E Strike Eagle jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait, though all six crew members survived by ejecting.

CENTCOM said the earlier incident took place amid heavy combat involving attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.

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