IRIA News

5 minute read

Six U.S. Air Force servicemen were killed on March 12, 2026, after a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq during ongoing combat operations against Iran, according to U.S. Central Command.

“All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury.”

Officials said two aircraft were involved in the incident, but only one of them went down. The second aircraft landed safely. Military officials also confirmed that the crash was not caused by enemy action. “The incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement said.

During a press briefing on Friday alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the aircraft was on an operational mission when the crash happened.

All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased

TAMPA, Fla. – All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

The KC-135 aircraft was conducting a combat mission linked to Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. military campaign targeting Iran-related threats in the region. “[It] was not the result of hostile or friendly fire,” Caine said.

Officials said the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. More details have not yet been released as authorities continue to examine what happened. CENTCOM initially reported only the loss of the aircraft before later confirming that all six crew members had died in the incident.

Aircraft Played Key Role in Regional Operations

The KC-135 is a key refueling aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force to provide fuel to fighter jets and other military aircraft while in flight. This capability allows aircraft to remain in the air longer and operate across wider distances during combat missions.

Numerous KC-135 aircraft are currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. They have been providing aerial refueling support to fighter jets and other aircraft participating in Operation Epic Fury.

The aircraft that went down is the fourth manned U.S. aircraft lost this month during operations linked to the conflict involving Iran. The identities of the six airmen who died in the crash have not yet been released.

Officials said their names will remain withheld until at least 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

US Military Honors Fallen Soldiers

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach expressed condolences to the families of the fallen airmen and praised their service. “We are devastated by the loss of our airmen supporting Operation Epic Fury and extend our condolences to their families and communities affected,” Wilsbach said.

“Our warfighters answered the nation’s call, we will honor their sacrifice as we continue to fight until the job is done.”

Military leaders emphasized that the incident highlights the risks faced by service members during ongoing combat operations.

“Our service members make an incredible sacrifice to go forward and do the things that the nation asks of them,” Caine said. “It’s a reminder of the true cost of the dedication and commitment of the joint force.”

Recent Incidents During Operation Epic Fury

The KC-135 crash comes after several other major incidents involving U.S. aircraft earlier this month. On March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down in what officials described as a friendly fire incident involving a Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter aircraft.

All six crew members aboard the F-15 aircraft were able to eject and were safely recovered. Despite the successful rescue, the incident raised concerns about coordination and identification during high-intensity air operations in the region.

Overall, the opening weeks of Operation Epic Fury have been costly for U.S. forces. According to military officials, a total of 13 U.S. service members have been killed during combat actions since the operation began. Roughly 140 others have been wounded, including eight who suffered severe injuries.

Another service member, an Army National Guard officer who also worked as a New York City police officer, died on March 6 following a non-combat incident.

Officials have not yet provided additional details about Thursday’s crash and say the investigation is ongoing. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members,” the CENTCOM statement said.

French Soldier Killed in Separate Attack in Iraq

In a separate development, a French soldier was killed, and several others were injured in an attack in Iraq’s Erbil region, French President Emmanuel Macron said early Friday.

Macron identified the soldier as Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion based in Varces.

French troops have been operating in Iraq since 2015 as part of international efforts against ISIS. Macron emphasized that France’s mission in the country is focused on counterterrorism operations.

He also said the ongoing conflict involving Iran could not justify attacks on French forces. Macron offered condolences to Frion’s family and fellow soldiers, adding that France stood with the wounded and their loved ones.

Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the attack, including who carried it out or the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.