US military identifies six airmen killed in KC-135 refueling plane crashsix airmen killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq
A US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, killing all six crew members aboard. The Pentagon identified the airmen from Air Force and National Guard units, noting the incident involved another aircraft that landed safely and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. This crash raises the US death toll in the operation to 13, with the cause still under investigation.
US Military
Central Command stated the crash occurred in friendly airspace during a combat mission, involved two aircraft, and resulted from neither hostile nor friendly fire. All six crew members died, and the incident is under investigation. Officials emphasized the service members as heroes supporting operations against Iran.
Iran-backed Groups
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the KC-135 and targeting another plane that escaped. They described the action as targeting US military assets in the region. US officials dismissed the claim, attributing the crash to a non-combat incident.
- The KC-135 Stratotanker has refueled aircraft since the 1950s.
- Western Iraq borders Jordan near the crash site Turaibil.
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino logged 348 combat hours before the crash.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
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