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Trump honors fallen service members who died in Iraq plane crash amid Iran conflict

The crash raised U.S. deaths in Operation Epic Fury to 13, with six Airmen honored in a private ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, requested by their families.

  • President Donald Trump will attend a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for six U.S. service members killed last week when their KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq.
  • U.S. Central Command reported the crash in western Iraq occurred in "friendly airspace," noting the loss was "not due to hostile or friendly fire." The incident remains under investigation as operations against Iran continue.
  • The U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury reached at least 13 service members, with the six crew from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington. The Pentagon reports about 200 service members have been injured, including 10 severely.
  • This marks the second dignified transfer Trump has attended this month, a solemn ritual he once described as the "toughest thing" he has had to do as commander in chief.
  • Following the March 7 dignified transfer for six service members killed by a drone strike in Kuwait, these repeated ceremonies underscore the human toll of the ongoing conflict. President Donald Trump personally oversees each return of remains.
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President Donald Trump attended Wednesday's ceremony to return the bodies of the six U.S. tankers killed last week after the aircraft crashed in the framework of the war with Iran.

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KOKI broke the news in Tulsa, United States on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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