6 US service members dead after military refuelling plane crashes in Iraq

Six United States (U.S.) military crew members have died after their refuelling plane crashed in Iraq on Mar. 12, the Guardian reported on Mar. 13, 2026 (Singapore time).

In a post on X, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that a U.S. KC-135 aircraft "went down" in western Iraq at around 2pm (U.S. time).

An earlier press release indicated that two aircraft had been involved in the incident but only one escape unscathed.

Not due to "hostile or friendly fire"

The command said that the crash occurred in "friendly airspace" during the military's Operation Epic Fury, involving two aircraft.

One plane carrying six crew members crashed while the other plane "landed safely".

Several posts circulating on X showed the alleged second plane mostly unharmed, with its tail was slightly cut off.

A better look at the partially sliced-off tail of the USAF KC-135 involved in the mid-air collision over Iraq yesterday, back on the ground in Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/Vll73nrr8G

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 13, 2026

The command confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation.

However, the loss of the aircraft was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire".

U.S. authorities are currently notifying the family of the deceased crew members, and are withholding their identities until 24 hours after the families have been informed.

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

Top photo by U.S. Department of War