A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command confirmed. Rescue efforts were launched immediately following the incident.
CENTCOM stated the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. “U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft,” the command said in a statement. “The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely.”
A U.S. Official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated both aircraft involved were KC-135 tankers. The KC-135 typically operates with a three-person crew.
The incident marks the fourth loss of an American aircraft during Operation Epic Fury, which was initiated at the direction of the President of the United States to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus. Last week, three F-15E Strike Eagles were lost in a friendly fire incident over Kuwait, with all six crew members safely ejected, and recovered.
The overall human cost of the operation continues to rise. Seven American service members have been killed since the start of the conflict: six were killed when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait, and one died after being wounded in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 140 U.S. Service members have been wounded, with eight sustaining severe injuries, according to Pentagon figures released earlier this week.
Separately, a KC-135 declared an in-flight emergency and subsequently landed at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday evening, according to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24. Online tracking data indicated the aircraft was squawking 7700, the emergency transponder code, and appeared to be jettisoning fuel before landing. The aircraft involved in the Israeli emergency is a KC-135RT variant, capable of being refueled in flight.
Iran has denied accusations of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated, “Some countries have already talked to us about passing the Strait and we have cooperated with them.” He also warned nations “that have joined the aggression” not to expect “safe passage.”
President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House on Thursday, expressed confidence in the operation’s progress. “The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It’s doing very well, our military is unsurpassed,” he said. “They really are a nation of terror and hate, and they’re paying a big price right now.”
CENTCOM has requested patience as it gathers further details regarding the KC-135 crash. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members,” the command stated.
