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KC-135 Crash in Iraq Claims Six Lives, Investigations Underway

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2023, killing all six crew members.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, despite claims from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
Another KC-135 involved in the incident landed safely.
This crash is the fourth aircraft loss in the conflict with Iran, raising the U.S. military death toll to 13.
Investigations are ongoing, with initial reports suggesting a possible midair collision as the cause.

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Story summary

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2023, killing all six crew members.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, despite claims from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
Another KC-135 involved in the incident landed safely.
This crash is the fourth aircraft loss in the conflict with Iran, raising the U.S. military death toll to 13.
Investigations are ongoing, with initial reports suggesting a possible midair collision as the cause.