US Air Force jet crash in Iraq as KC-135 Stratotanker goes down during Operation Epic Fury amid escalating war between the US, Israel and Iran
A United States Air Force refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq during ongoing military operations linked to the escalating war with Iran, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
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In a statement released Thursday, CENTCOM confirmed that a KC-135 Stratotanker was lost during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure across the Middle East.
The command said the incident occurred in “friendly airspace” and emphasised that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
According to officials, two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the planes went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched to locate and assist any crew members involved in the crash.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties, noting that officials are still gathering information and working to notify the families of the service members.
Crash amid widening Middle East conflict
The aircraft loss comes as the regional conflict intensifies following the large-scale military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026.
The campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, involves thousands of troops, fighter aircraft, drones and naval assets aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and limiting its influence across the region.
Iran has responded with repeated missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, U.S. military bases and allied countries in the Gulf, escalating the confrontation into one of the most serious military crises in the Middle East in recent years.
Military analysts note that aerial refuelling aircraft such as the KC-135 play a critical role in modern warfare by allowing fighter jets and bombers to remain airborne for extended missions.
The latest crash marks the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft loss since the conflict began, highlighting the intensity and complexity of the ongoing military operations.
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CENTCOM said further details about the crash would be released as rescue efforts continue and investigations into the incident progress.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
