Global News Podcast US aerial refuelling plane crashes in western Iraq
21 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Weira Davis, BBC correspondent reporting from southern Lebanon with eyewitness accounts of evacuations and airstrikes. Lucy Williamson, BBC reporter covering Israeli statements and regional reactions. Simi Jalaosho, North America correspondent on the US military aircraft incident and casualty reporting. They discuss a US KC-135 refuelling plane crash in western Iraq, rising risks to personnel, and evacuations under Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
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US KC-135 Crash Deemed Non-Hostile
- A US KC-135 refuelling plane crashed in western Iraq but US Central Command says it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.
- Two aircraft were involved, the KC-135 was lost and a second plane landed safely while rescue efforts and family notifications continue.
Non-Combat Losses Highlight Operational Risk
- The incident highlights operational risks even over friendly airspace and is one of several non-hostile aircraft losses during the campaign.
- Earlier mistakes included three F-15s shot down over Kuwait, and US forces have reported multiple wounded and seven killed overall.
Netanyahu Claims Strategic Gains In Campaign
- Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the joint US-Israeli campaign, claiming strategic gains while urging Iranians to topple their regime.
- He framed the campaign as degrading Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure and warned Hezbollah would pay heavily for aggression.