TAMPA, United States — Four U.S. service members have been confirmed dead after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
In a statement released Friday, the command said the aircraft went down at approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12, with six crew members on board at the time of the incident.
“Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue,” CENTCOM said.
Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, but early findings indicate the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The identities of the deceased service members have not yet been released. CENTCOM said the names will remain withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin have been formally notified.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving aerial refueling aircraft used by the United States Air Force to extend the operational range of fighter jets, bombers, and other military aircraft during missions.
The crash occurred amid heightened tensions across the Middle East following a wave of military escalations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The regional security situation deteriorated after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting strategic facilities in Iran in late February, which triggered retaliatory attacks and increased military activity across the region.
Western Iraq has long hosted U.S. military operations aimed at countering militant groups and supporting regional security missions.
Officials said search and rescue operations are ongoing as investigators work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s loss.
