Tragic KC-135 Crash in Iraq: What Happened to the 4 Fallen Crew Members?

 
A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during a military operation, killing four crew members.
 
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on March 12 (local time) via X that it lost a KC-135 while conducting an operation. CENTCOM said the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Grand Fury and that search-and-rescue teams are on scene.
 
In a follow-up statement, CENTCOM confirmed four of the six crew aboard the aircraft were killed. Search-and-rescue efforts for the remaining personnel continue.
 
Officials said two aircraft were involved: one crashed in western Iraq, and the other made an emergency landing at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
 
CENTCOM said there is no indication the incident resulted from enemy action or friendly fire. Investigators now consider a midair collision between two KC-135 tankers the most likely cause of the accident.