March 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A United States Air Force aerial refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq while supporting ongoing American military operations linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
According to the U.S. Central Command, the aircraft involved was a KC-135 Stratotanker, a critical refueling jet used to supply fuel midair to combat and surveillance aircraft. The incident reportedly involved two U.S. aircraft operating in what officials described as “friendly airspace.”
Military authorities confirmed that one of the aircraft crashed, while the second KC-135 was able to land safely. Initial assessments indicate that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or enemy action.
Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed to the crash site in the remote desert region of western Iraq to locate the crew members. A KC-135 typically operates with a crew of at least three personnel.
U.S. officials say investigators are examining the possibility that the incident may have been caused by a mid-air collision during a refueling maneuver, although the exact circumstances remain unclear. Air-to-air refueling is a routine operation for the U.S. Air Force but can become highly complex, especially in challenging weather conditions or during high-tempo combat missions.
The KC-135 Stratotanker remains one of the most widely used aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet despite being among its oldest platforms. The aircraft plays a vital role in extending the range and endurance of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and military cargo planes during combat operations.
The crash marks the fourth loss of a manned U.S. aircraft since Operation Epic Fury began in late February, though none of the incidents have been attributed to Iranian attacks.
Earlier this month, three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down in a friendly-fire incident involving Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter aircraft during coalition operations.
Military officials say a full investigation into the latest crash is ongoing, while rescue teams continue efforts to locate the missing crew.
More updates will follow as details emerge.
— SUNTV Global Channel
