KC-135 Crash in Iraq During Operation Epic Fury Highlights Ongoing Rescue Efforts

A US KC-135 military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on Thursday. US Central Command confirmed the loss and said search and rescue teams were deployed. A second aircraft involved in the incident landed without damage. Officials have not confirmed if any personnel were killed or injured.

In its first public comment, the command said the aircraft went down in friendly airspace. Another KC-135 linked to the same event, officials said, "landed safely". The crash occurred as joint US-Israeli operations targeted Iran and allied groups across the region.

US Central Command said: "US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,". Reuters cited US officials as saying six service members were on board the aircraft that crashed in Iraq.

The second KC-135 returned without damage, Reuters reported, and it was on the same mission. Investigators have not established the cause of the crash. The command added: "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,". No further operational or technical details were shared.

After the command confirmed the loss, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility. The group is an umbrella for several Iran-backed armed factions in the country. Reuters reported the group said it downed the aircraft "in defense of our country's sovereignty and airspace,". The claim was not independently verified.

The KC-135 was built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s. It supports US air operations by refuelling jets and other aircraft mid-air. That support helps aircraft remain airborne longer. The crash was the fourth US aircraft lost since 28 February, when US and Israel began strikes under Operation Epic Fury.

Earlier in March, Kuwait air defences mistakenly shot down three US Air Force jets in friendly fire. All crew members in those jets ejected and survived. US officials say seven US troops have been killed in the war on Iran. Reuters reported about 150 US personnel were wounded as of Tuesday.

Country/Force	Reported deaths	Reported wounded	Source
United States troops	7	About 150	US officials / Reuters
Iran	More than 1,300	Not specified	Iran's UN ambassador
Lebanon	Nearly 700	Not specified	Officials cited in reports

The latest KC-135 crash adds to the human and material cost of Operation Epic Fury. Rescue teams were still working at the site. Officials have not released casualty numbers for those onboard. The cause also remained unconfirmed. Further findings are expected to explain how the aircraft was lost during the refuelling mission.