US military aircraft crashes in Iraq as Iran war escalates, Tehran-backed militia claims attack

A United States military aircraft carrying five crew members crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during ongoing operations linked to the war with Iran, the United States Central Command confirmed, triggering an emergency rescue effort in the region.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a vital aerial refueling platform used by the United States Air Force to extend the range of fighter jets and other combat aircraft during long-distance missions.

According to the command, the crash occurred in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, a US military campaign targeting Iran-linked threats in the region.

“Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One landed safely, while the other went down in friendly airspace,” Central Command said in a statement, adding that search and rescue operations were underway.

Despite claims by an Iran-backed armed coalition that it shot down the aircraft, US officials said there was no indication that hostile fire caused the crash.

Iran-aligned group claims responsibility

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed factions operating in Iraq, said it had downed the tanker aircraft “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace”.

However, US officials have so far rejected that claim.

A US official, speaking anonymously because the situation remains fluid, confirmed that the second aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 tanker. The aircraft that landed safely was able to return without incident.

“More information will be made available as the situation develops,” Central Command said, urging patience while authorities gather details and inform the families of the crew members.

Fourth aircraft loss during Iran conflict

The tanker is the fourth US aircraft known to have crashed during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to the Associated Press.

Just last week, the US military confirmed that three F‑15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly Kuwaiti fire during operations in the region.

All six crew members aboard those jets safely ejected and were later rescued, officials said.

Rising casualties in the war

The conflict has already taken a toll on US forces. According to the Pentagon, seven American troops have been killed in combat since hostilities with Iran began.

Six service members died after an Iranian drone struck an operations centre at a civilian port in Kuwait, while another soldier succumbed to injuries sustained in an earlier attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

The Pentagon also said around 140 US service members have been wounded, including eight with severe injuries, as the conflict continues to intensify across the region.