Rescue Operations Underway After KC-135 Crash in Western Iraq
U.S. military forces are conducting rescue operations after a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during an ongoing operation against Iran, according to U.S. Central Command.
The incident occurred in friendly airspace in the Al Anbar province region. Two aircraft were involved in the operation. One aircraft went down while a second aircraft landed safely, CENTCOM officials stated. The cause has been confirmed as not related to hostile fire or friendly fire.
Rescue teams are actively working to reach the downed aircraft and crew. CENTCOM has requested patience as family notifications are conducted and details are finalized. Reports indicate up to six U.S. service members may have been aboard the aircraft.
The military has not yet released updated information on the status of the crew as rescue operations continue.
Operation Epic Fury: Context Behind the Military Aircraft Incident
Operation Epic Fury represents the current U.S. military campaign targeting Iran and its affiliated forces in the region. The operation involves high-tempo strikes and intensive aerial activities.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical component of military operations, providing aerial refueling capabilities that enable aircraft to extend their range and operational endurance. These refueling missions require close-proximity flying between aircraft, a factor that CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean described as “inherently risky” given the operational tempo of ongoing strikes against Iranian targets.
The crash occurred during what military officials characterized as routine refueling operations supporting the broader mission. The loss of the aircraft highlights the dangers associated with supporting operations in a contested or active theater, even when operating in friendly airspace.
Aerial refueling missions position aircraft and crew in vulnerable configurations during fuel transfer, requiring precise coordination and exposing both aircraft to potential hazards even in the absence of enemy action.
CENTCOM Confirms Non-Hostile Fire Cause Amid Ongoing Rescue
U.S. Central Command has provided the official account of the incident, confirming that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. The statement emphasized that the aircraft was operating in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.
The official CENTCOM communication confirmed: “U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing.”
Military officials haverepeatedly emphasized the ongoing nature of rescue operations while declining to provide additional details pending family notifications. The command has requested patience from the public and media as the situation develops.
No direct statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or other Pentagon leadership regarding this specific incident have been released as of March 13, 2026. Coverage remains focused on CENTCOM’s account of the events.
What We Know About the Downed Crew and Response Efforts
The rescue operation in western Iraq continues as military teams work to reach the crashed KC-135 Stratotanker. While CENTCOM has not confirmed the exact number of personnel aboard, multiple reports indicate up to six service members were on the aircraft.
CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D’Agata reported on the incident, citing a CENTCOM briefing, and noted that rescue efforts were concentrated in the Al Anbar province region of Iraq.
The response involves coordinated efforts from multiple military units, with the primary focus on locating and recovering the crew. CENTCOM officials have stressed that rescue operations remain the priority and that additional information will be released as it becomes available and after proper notifications are completed.
Military officials continue to investigate the specific circumstances leading to the crash, though the non-hostile fire determination has been confirmed. The incident underscores the operational risks inherent in sustainment missions supporting combat operations, even in areas not subject to direct enemy fire.
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