In a fresh escalation that exposes the growing dangers facing U.S. forces in the Middle East, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia has claimed responsibility for shooting down a U.S. military aircraft over Iraq, while a ᴅᴇᴀᴅly strike in Erbil has killed at least one French national and wounded several others.

The militia group, operating under the banner of the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” released a statement and footage Thursday claiming it used advanced surface-to-air missiles to bring down the American plane during a refueling mission supporting Operation Epic Fury. U.S. Central Command confirmed the loss of an aircraft in western Iraq but described the cause as “under investigation.” This marks the latest in a string of American aerial losses, coming shortly after the downing of a KC-135 Stratotanker in the same region.

Simultaneously, a powerful rocket and drone attack targeted the U.S.-protected Erbil International Airport and nearby coalition facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan. Local officials confirmed that a French civilian contractor was killed and at least four others injured in the barrage. The strike highlights how Iran’s network of proxies continues to expand the conflict far beyond Iranian borders.

These developments come as Operation Epic Fury enters a dangerous new phase. The USS Gerald R. Ford remains sidelined in the Arabian Sea with recurring fires and limited flight operations. America has already spent more than $11 billion in munitions in the opening days, with critical radar systems destroyed and interceptor stockpiles running low. Israel continues to endure relentless attacks from Iranian missiles and Hezbollah rockets, with major airbases repeatedly hit and civilian areas under sustained pressure.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s regime appears emboldened. Despite heavy losses inside Iran, its proxy forces are striking with increasing precision and boldness — from the Strait of Hormuz, where multiple tankers have been targeted, to the heart of Iraq.

The involvement of French personnel adds an international dimension, raising fears that more U.S. allies could be drawn deeper into the conflict — or begin questioning their support.

Is Operation Epic Fury creating more enemies than it is eliminating? As American aircraft fall from Iraqi skies and foreign nationals die in proxy attacks, the once-confident campaign is looking increasingly like a costly quagmire that is destabilizing the entire region.

Washington insists the operation is proceeding according to plan, but on the ground the reality is far more chaotic: burning carriers, falling planes, and an Iranian-led axis that shows no sign of breaking.

The war is spreading. The costs are rising. And the end is nowhere in sight.