This is just the beginning.

Editor's note: A U.S. aerial refueling tanker, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed in Iraq during operations linked to the escalating confrontation with Iran, a development that may signal the opening phase of a wider and more dangerous stage of the conflict as the war continues to intensify.
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US military refueling plane crashes in Iraq and rescue is underway

By Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin | March 13, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — An American military refueling plane taking part in the operation against Iran crashed in Iraq and rescue efforts were underway, U.S. Central Command said Thursday.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. A U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the developing situation, said the KC-135 aircraft that crashed had at least five crew members aboard.

The crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said in a statement, which described the plane as "a loss."

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said that two aircraft were involved and that one landed safely and the other went down in western Iraq.

A second U.S. official, who similarly spoke on condition of anonymity, said the other plane involved also was a KC-135 tanker.

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