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On March 19, 2026, a US F-35 stealth fighter flying a combat mission over Iran made an emergency landing after reportedly being struck by Iranian fire. The pilot is stable, and the incident is under investigation. This marks the first time Iranian forces have hit a US aircraft since the conflict began. The event follows recent US military aircraft losses, including a KC-135 tanker crash in Iraq on March 12.
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A US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a support mission against Iran, killing six service members. The incident occurred in friendly airspace, with no hostile fire involved. The victims include personnel from Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, and Washington, with investigations ongoing.
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A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed over Iraq during a support mission, killing six crew members, including Major Alex Klinner. The aircraft was supporting operations against Iran, and the crash is under investigation. The incident highlights ongoing risks in military operations in the region.
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Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, face federal charges over a suspicious package found outside MacDill Air Force Base on March 16. The sister is in custody, while the brother has fled. The package contained possible energetic materials, prompting heightened security at the base. A separate threat caller was also arrested earlier this week.