13.03.2026 13:00
A KC-135 refueling aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force crashed in western Iraq during the night. A statement from the U.S. indicated that 4 of the 6 soldiers on board the crashed plane were killed and that search efforts are ongoing.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a KC-135 refueling aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force crashed in western Iraq. Four U.S. soldiers lost their lives in the incident.
"NOT CAUSED BY ENEMY FIRE"
In a written statement from CENTCOM, it was noted that the incident occurred as part of operations against Iran. The statement indicated that two aircraft were on duty at the time of the incident, and one of the aircraft was damaged after the crash, while the other landed safely. It was reported that the accident was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire.
SEARCH OPERATIONS CONTINUE FOR 2 SOLDIERS
Another statement regarding the matter came from the U.S. CENTCOM stated that 4 of the 6 soldiers on the downed aircraft were killed, and the search operation is ongoing.
"ISLAMIC RESISTANCE" GROUP IN IRAQ: WE SHOT IT DOWN
On the other hand, some armed groups known as "Islamic Resistance" in Iraq claimed that they shot down the refueling aircraft in question. In a statement made by the group, it was stated, "The KC-135 aircraft belonging to the U.S. was shot down in western Iraq with appropriate weapons for the purpose of defense against the violation of our country and airspace by occupying forces."
U.S.-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the U.S. launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between the Tehran and Washington administrations.
Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where U.S. bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the U.S.-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as many high-ranking officials, were killed.
According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the U.S.-Israel attacks exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured surpassed 17,000.