The United States military has confirmed that one of its aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, marking the fourth American aircraft lost since the start of the current conflict involving Iran.

According to a statement issued by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. The military said one aircraft went down in western Iraq, while another aircraft linked to the situation was able to land safely.

CENTCOM clarified that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, though details about the cause of the incident have not yet been disclosed.

Fourth US aircraft lost in the conflict

The crash makes the KC-135 the fourth American military aircraft lost since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, which started on February 28.

Earlier in the conflict, three McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by forces from Kuwait in what the US military described as friendly fire. Despite the loss of the aircraft, all six crew members from those jets managed to eject safely.

CENTCOM had earlier said the incident happened during intense combat operations that included attacks from Iranian aircraft as well as ballistic missiles and drones.

KC-135 aircraft and crew details

The KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft has been in service for more than six decades and plays a key role in extending the range and endurance of US military aircraft during operations.

Typically, the aircraft operates with a three-member crew, consisting of a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft mid-air. However, certain missions may require a navigator, and the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers, according to information provided by the US Air Force.

Authorities have not yet released information about the crew involved in the latest crash or whether there were casualties.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid a growing dispute over President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state.

Speaking at a public rally, Banerjee referred to a photograph from March 2024 that shows the President standing while the Prime Minister is seated during a meeting with veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani. The Trinamool Congress leader questioned the government’s claims about respecting the office of the President.

According to a video shared by the Trinamool Congress, two party leaders displayed the photograph while Banerjee addressed the gathering. She argued that while leaders often speak about honouring the President’s office, such visual moments raise questions about whether that respect is truly reflected in conduct.

The photograph referenced by Banerjee was taken on March 31, 2024, when President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi visited Advani to present him with the Bharat Ratna.

Banerjee said the image showed the President standing while the Prime Minister remained seated. She asked whether the government truly respected the country’s first tribal woman President, adding that the picture demonstrated “who respects and who does not”.

President’s visit to Bengal triggers controversy

The political exchange began after President Murmu visited West Bengal on Saturday to attend the ninth International Santal Conference in Darjeeling.

While addressing the event, the President publicly noted that neither the chief minister nor other state ministers were present to receive her. She said that usually the chief minister welcomes the President during such visits but that did not happen in this case.

Murmu added that Banerjee is like a “younger sister” to her and said she did not know whether the chief minister was upset.

The President also raised concerns about the change in the event venue and suggested that the new location made it difficult for people to attend. She said she did not know why the state administration had not permitted the programme at the earlier venue.

Prime minister criticises Bengal government

Reacting to the developments, Prime Minister Modi described the situation as “shameful and unprecedented”. In a post on social media, he said the incident had saddened people who believe in democracy and in empowering tribal communities.

He added that the pain expressed by President Murmu had caused widespread concern and accused the West Bengal government of disrespecting the office of the President. The Prime Minister also said the dignity of the President’s position should remain above political disputes.

Speaking at a public event later, Modi said the developments were particularly unfortunate as they occurred on International Women’s Day. He alleged that the Trinamool Congress government had boycotted both the tribal event and the President.

Mamata Banerjee denies protocol violation

Banerjee rejected the allegations, saying no protocol lapse occurred during the visit.

According to the chief minister, the event had been organised by a private body, the International Santal Council, which invited the President to attend the conference in Siliguri. She said the district administration had warned the President’s Secretariat that the organisers lacked adequate arrangements to host such a programme.

Banerjee also stated that the advance team from the President’s Secretariat visited the site earlier in March and was informed about the shortcomings but the event continued as scheduled.

She added that officials including the mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Darjeeling district magistrate and the Siliguri police commissioner received and saw off the President according to the approved protocol lineup.

The chief minister said she was not part of the official lineup or the event’s dais plan and accused the BJP of using the country’s highest constitutional office for political purposes.

Centre seeks report from state

The issue escalated further after Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty seeking a report on alleged lapses during the President’s visit.

According to sources, the letter asked why senior state officials such as the chief minister, the chief secretary and the director general of police were not present to receive the President. It also raised concerns about reports of poor arrangements at the venue, including the absence of water in a washroom designated for the President and garbage along the route.

Officials from the Darjeeling district administration and Siliguri police were also mentioned in the communication, with the Centre seeking details of any action taken.

The controversy has now turned into a sharp political confrontation between the Centre and the West Bengal government.

India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 drew praise from political leaders across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the national team for what he described as a triumph built on “exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork”.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final, securing the title and becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times.

In a message posted online, the prime minister said the team showed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament and made the nation proud.

“Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India,” he wrote.

President Murmu congratulates team

President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated the players and the support staff, saying the achievement marked a historic moment for Indian cricket.

She said the win had brought immense pride and happiness to cricket lovers across the country and highlighted the depth of talent among India’s youth.

“Heartiest congratulations to Team India which scaled several peaks of history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup emphatically. India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the cup three times. It is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row,” she said in her message.

The president also praised the entire squad, team management, and support staff for their collective effort.

Amit Shah hails team’s performance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah applauded the team for its consistent performance during the tournament and said the victory had brought glory to the country.

“What a victory…!! Hats-off to World Champion #TeamIndia. Your exceptional performance throughout the tournament and the vigorous display of mettle has brought glory and pride for the nation. Congratulations to the entire team for making every Indian proud,” he said.

India dominate the final

Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, India delivered a dominant performance in the final.

Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a massive total of 255 runs. Sanju Samson played a crucial innings of 89 runs, while Abhishek Sharma struck the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a quick 54 off 25 balls, helping India reach the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

India’s bowlers then sealed the victory with an impressive display. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for 15 runs, while Axar Patel picked up three wickets. Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, and Hardik Pandya claimed one wicket each.

The match ended when Abhishek Sharma dismissed New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy on the final ball of the 19th over, confirming India’s emphatic victory.