US and British soldiers killed during training exercise at Erbil air base in Iraqi Kurdistan

A US service member and a British soldier were killed during a training exercise at the Erbil air base in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, military officials from both countries have confirmed.

According to reports, the incident occurred on May 31, although authorities have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

US military officials said the identity of the American service member would not be released until at least 24 hours after the next of kin had been notified.

The UK Ministry of Defence also stated that the family of the British soldier had requested privacy and asked for additional time before further information is made public.

The incident took place at the Al Harir air base near Erbil, where US and British forces maintain a military presence.

Earlier in 2026, the United States withdrew troops from several military facilities across Iraq but retained forces at Al Harir air base. British armed forces also continue to use the facility as part of coalition operations in the region.

Since the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the base has been targeted on multiple occasions by Iranian drones. In one such attack on March 12, several American service members were reportedly injured.

Authorities from both countries have launched an investigation into the latest incident. No further information has been released.