Military Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq with Six US Service Members Reported Dead

All six crew members of a United States military transport aircraft have been confirmed dead following a crash in western Iraq, according to official statements from US military command.

A KC-135 refuelling tanker aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in an incident involving another aircraft but not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire, according to military accounts cited by The Guardian.

Western Iraq’s desert region comprises vast expanses of rocky terrain, much of it sparsely populated, yet also hosts bases for numerous Shia militias allied with Iran. The area has been subject to repeated airstrikes by Israel and the United States.

Since the joint US-Israeli air campaign against Iran commenced nearly two weeks prior, plunging the Middle East into wider conflict, various attacks attributed to pro-Iran factions have targeted the region, where foreign forces are deployed as part of the international anti-jihadist coalition.

In earlier statements, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had mounted rescue operations following the KC-135 refuelling tanker crash. The second aircraft involved in the accident landed safely.

This marks the fourth US aircraft lost since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on 28 February. Three US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences in early March. All crews aboard those jets successfully ejected and were recovered.