‘Say a prayer’: Refueler crashes in Iraq, 6 American service members lost

A Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker provides fuel for an F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)

A KC-135 military refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq and all six U.S. service members aboard have been confirmed as dead.

Centcom confirmed the loss while the aircraft was flying over friendly airspace on Thursday.

All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased

TAMPA, Fla.