By Micah Jonah, March 13, 2026
The United States military has launched a rescue operation after one of its refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during ongoing operations linked to the conflict involving Iran.
In a statement, the United States Central Command confirmed the loss of a KC-135 refuelling aircraft during what it described as “Operation Epic Fury.” Officials said the incident occurred in friendly airspace and that search and rescue efforts were underway.
The command noted that another aircraft involved in the operation landed safely. It added that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.
However, a militia group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, saying it shot down the aircraft using what it described as an “appropriate weapon.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties from the crash.
The incident comes amid an escalating regional conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran.
Since the start of hostilities, the US military has reported several losses. Earlier in the campaign, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by air defences in Kuwait during active combat operations, though the pilots safely ejected.
According to US officials, seven American service members have been killed and more than 140 wounded since the military campaign began.
The conflict has also drawn growing criticism within the United States. Recent polling by Quinnipiac University found that a majority of American voters oppose the war, with strong resistance to deploying ground troops.
Meanwhile, casualties across the region continue to rise, with reports indicating more than 1,300 people killed in Iran since the beginning of the conflict, alongside deaths in Israel and several Gulf countries as the violence spreads.
