Six U.S. Airmen Killed in KC‑135 Crash in Iraq

The tanker was one of two aircraft involved in the operation, and the second plane was able to land safely.

USAF KC-135 Aerial Refueling Tankers Pilots And Crew During AEF III — Source: Barry Iverson / Getty

TAMPA, Fla — Six crew members were killed when a U.S. Air Force refueling plane went down in Iraq on Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command.

The tanker was one of two aircraft involved in the operation, and the second plane was able to land safely. Officials say the crash happened in friendly airspace and wasn’t caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, though the exact cause is still under investigation.

The military is withholding their names until families are notified.

An Iran‑backed militia in Iraq later claimed responsibility, but U.S. officials have not confirmed any link between the group’s statement and the crash.