Four dead as Iraq resistance group claims it shot down US KC-135 aircraft

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the downing of a US military refuelling aircraft in western Iraq, saying the attack was carried out in response to violations of Iraqi sovereignty.

In a statement, the group said it had shot down a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace," Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media. 

A spokesperson for the central headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said fighters had targeted the aircraft, which was operated by the United States Armed Forces, using what were described as “appropriate weapons.”

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by forces opposing what the group called occupying troops and was intended to defend Iraq’s sovereignty and protect its airspace.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) alter confirmed that a KC-135 aircraft had crashed in western Iraq but stated that the incident was not caused by hostile fire.

“At approximately 2 p.m. ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down in western Iraq,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.

The…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

The command added that four of the six crew members on board had been confirmed dead, while rescue efforts were continuing.

“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement said.

CENTCOM said the identities of the service members would be withheld until at least 24 hours after their next of kin had been notified.

By Sabina Mammadli