4 US service members killed in refueling aircraft crash in Iraq, US military says

U.S. Central Command says four American service members are confirmed dead after a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Two other crew members were aboard, and rescue efforts were continuing as investigators worked to determine what caused the crash. The crash happened as U.S. military operations against Iran continued, with President Donald Trump signaling additional strikes and Pentagon officials providing updates on the campaign.