Air Force Tanker Crashes in Iraq, Sparking Search
This photo provided by the Department of Defense shows a North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 fighter refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker over western Alaska on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (U.S. Department of Defense via AP)
A U.S. Air Force refueling plane crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, according to the military, while search and rescue teams continued working at the site. U.S. Central Command said the aircraft involved was a KC-135 tanker that was part of an event involving two planes. The other aircraft was able to land safely and did not experience additional problems.
Military officials have not released details about whether anyone was killed or injured. They said recovery efforts were still ongoing. Central Command also stated that the crash was not the result of enemy action or fire from U.S. forces, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
Earlier in the day, flight-tracking information indicated that a KC-135 had reported an emergency while in flight, which led to early reports that something had happened to the aircraft. According to the New York Times, the tanker normally carries a crew of three.
Central Command said the event took place in friendly airspace during the military operation against Iran. If there were casualties, they would be the first for the Air Force connected to the operation targeting Iran.
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