Baghdad, March 13: In a bold escalation of hostilities, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization representing several Iran-backed armed factions operating in the region, has claimed responsibility for shooting down a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq on Thursday.
The group released a statement asserting that the attack was carried out “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace,” framing the incident as a direct response to perceived American incursions into Iraqi territory. The KC-135 Stratotanker, a critical asset for extending the range of U.S. fighter jets through mid-air refueling, was targeted in what the militants described as a successful surface-to-air missile operation.
This comes amid ongoing friction between U.S. forces stationed in Iraq and local militias aligned with Tehran, who have repeatedly vowed to expel American troops following years of intermittent drone strikes and rocket attacks. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has emerged as a key player in these confrontations, coordinating attacks on U.S. bases and convoys since the Israel-Hamas war intensified regional proxy conflicts last year.
Neither U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) nor the Iraqi military has confirmed the downing or provided details on casualties or wreckage as of this report. If verified, it would mark one of the most significant losses of U.S. aviation assets in Iraq since the withdrawal of combat troops in 2011.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Iraq, where foreign powers and non-state actors continue to vie for influence, potentially drawing the country deeper into broader Middle East flashpoints.
