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13-03-2026
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US Military Plane Crashes in Iraq Amid Tensions

Date: 13-03-2026
Sources: cbsnews.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a formal event or ceremony taking place outside a building, with the United States and Iraqi flags flying prominently. A man stands at a podium on the left side of the steps, addressing an audience, while a group of men in military uniforms and suits stand on the steps. The building features a large stone structure with a green camouflage netting covering part of its facade. Here is a concise 2-3 sentence description of the image: A man speaks at a podium on the steps of a stone building, with the US and Iraqi flags flying above. Several men in military uniforms and suits stand on the steps behind him and to his right. The building has a distinctive stone facade partially covered with camouflage netting.

Summary

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashed in western Iraq, with the status of the crew unknown. The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Meanwhile, a US diplomatic facility in Baghdad was targeted in a suspected retaliatory drone attack by pro-Iranian militias.

Key Points

  • A US KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, with at least five crew members on board.
  • The incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
  • A second Stratotanker was damaged but landed safely in Tel Aviv.
  • A US diplomatic facility in Baghdad was targeted in a drone attack by pro-Iranian militias.
  • The security situation in the region remains volatile, with multiple US missions issuing shelter-in-place directives or advisories.

Articles in this Cluster

U.S. military plane crashes in Iraq as status of crew is unknown, officials said - CBS News

13-03-2026

A U.S. military aerial refueling tanker, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, with the status of the crew currently unknown. Recovery efforts are underway in the area near Turaibil, along the Iraqi-Jordanian border. A second Stratotanker was damaged but landed safely in Tel Aviv after declaring an emergency. U.S. Central Command stated that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. This is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. military is launching a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission to secure the crash site, retrieve crew members, and recover or destroy sensitive equipment.
Entities: U.S. military, Iraq, Iran, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, Turaibil • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

U.S. launches rescue efforts after KC-135 military refueling plane crashes over Iraq

13-03-2026

The U.S. military has reported that a KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq while on a mission as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The incident, which occurred in friendly airspace, was not due to hostile or enemy fire, according to the U.S. Central Command. This is the fourth reported aircraft loss since the Iran war started. Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, has vowed to make the U.S. 'sorry' for starting the war, while the U.S. continues with its military operations despite escalating tensions and threats from Iran.
Entities: U.S. military, KC-135 refueling plane, Iraq, Iran, Operation Epic Fury • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashes over Iraq, at least five crew on board | CNNClose icon

13-03-2026

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury. At least five crew members were on board. The incident involved a second US tanker, which landed safely. The US military stated that the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the cause of the incident is being investigated. The KC-135 is a critical asset for extending the range of aircraft in combat zones. This incident marks the fourth known aircraft loss in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Entities: US Air Force, KC-135 Stratotanker, Iraq, Operation Epic Fury, US Central Command • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

US diplomatic facility in Baghdad targeted in drone strike | Fox News

13-03-2026

A suspected retaliatory drone attack by pro-Iranian militias struck a major U.S. diplomatic facility in Baghdad on Tuesday. The attack hit the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, with six drones launched toward the compound, five of which were shot down. One drone struck near a guard tower, and people at the facility were instructed to 'duck and cover.' No injuries were immediately reported. The attack was likely conducted by militias affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose umbrella group of Iran-aligned Shiite armed factions. The State Department had urged Americans to depart immediately from over a dozen countries across the Middle East due to 'serious safety risks.' The security situation in the region remains volatile, with multiple U.S. missions issuing shelter-in-place directives or advisories.
Entities: Baghdad, United States, Iran, Iraq, Islamic Resistance in Iraq • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform