Four U.S. Service Members Killed in Military Aircraft Crash in Iraq

Four U.S. service members were killed after a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq Thursday afternoon, according to the U.S. military.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the incident early Friday, stating the aircraft went down around 2 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12. Six crew members were on board at the time of the crash, and officials confirmed four have died while recovery and rescue efforts continue.

Military officials said the cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but preliminary information indicates the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire.

The names of the fallen service members have not yet been released, as officials are waiting until family members have been notified.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving U.S. Air Force aircraft designed primarily to refuel other aircraft midair, allowing military planes to stay in the air longer and travel greater distances without landing. The aircraft can also be used for medical evacuation missions and surveillance operations.

The KC-135 fleet has been in service for more than six decades, supporting operations for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied forces. The Air Force has begun transitioning to the newer KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft as part of efforts to modernize the aging fleet.