US Aerial Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq

An Iranian-backed armed group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the downing of the U.S. aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling tanker aircraft takes off from the Kadena Air Base airfield in Kadena town, west of Okinawa, southern Japan, on Aug. 30, 2023. Hiro Komae/AP Photo

A U.S. aerial refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced March 12.

CENTCOM, which is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, said the crash of the KC-135 Stratotanker occurred in friendly airspace, and involved two aircraft.