US Military Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq, Rescue Underway

The KC-135 aircraft was part of operations against Iran, but the crash was not due to hostile fire.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:18am

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A U.S. military refueling plane has gone down in western Iraq, with one aircraft landing safely and the other crashing, according to U.S. Central Command. Rescue efforts are currently underway, though it's unclear if there are any casualties. The incident is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft crash as part of the U.S. military's operations against Iran.

Why it matters

The crash of a U.S. military aircraft during operations against Iran raises concerns about the ongoing conflict and its potential impact on American forces. This incident comes after previous crashes and casualties suffered by the U.S. military in the region, highlighting the risks and challenges faced in the Iran war.

The details

The KC-135 refueling plane that crashed was part of the U.S. military's operation against Iran. While the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire, the details of what led to the incident are still unclear. Central Command has stated that more information will be provided as the situation develops, and they are working to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of the service members involved.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

U.S. Central Command

The U.S. military command that oversees operations in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who had warned that the Iran war would likely claim more American lives before it ends.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who had also warned about the potential for more American casualties in the Iran war.

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What they’re saying

“More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”

— U.S. Central Command

What’s next

Central Command has stated that they will provide more information as the situation develops, including details on any potential casualties and the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by U.S. military forces in the region as part of the conflict with Iran, and underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for the troops involved in these operations.