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All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that went down in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury have been confirmed dead, US Central Command said, adding the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The aircraft went down on March 12 while flying over friendly airspace
Washington: All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have been confirmed dead, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
The aircraft went down on March 12 while flying over friendly airspace during a mission linked to Operation Epic Fury. Earlier reports had indicated four casualties, but officials later confirmed that all six personnel on board lost their lives.
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United States Central Command confirmed that all six crew members aboard a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker that went down in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on March 12 have been confirmed deceased.#USIranWar #usirantensions @CENTCOM
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) March 13, 2026
CENTCOM said the circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation. However, the US military clarified that the aircraft loss was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.
Officials stated that further details will be released once the investigation progresses. The identities of the deceased service members have not yet been disclosed as authorities are in the process of notifying their families.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a tanker aircraft used by the US Air Force for mid-air refuelling operations. The aircraft has been in service for decades and is typically operated by a crew that includes a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator responsible for transferring fuel to other aircraft during flight.
Additional crew members may be onboard depending on the mission requirements.
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The crash occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in West Asia, where hostilities involving the United States and Iran have escalated in recent weeks.
Military officials said the aircraft was conducting operational activities related to the broader conflict when the incident occurred. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the crash proceed.
