Rescue operations were underway after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to tensions with Iran, the U.S. military said on Friday.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it was aware of the loss of a KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft during Operation Epic Fury, adding that the incident occurred in friendly airspace.
“Rescue efforts are ongoing,” CENTCOM said in a statement, noting that two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft crashed in western Iraq while the second landed safely.
The military command said the incident was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.
The tanker had been supporting ongoing US. military operations linked to Iran at the time of the incident, according to the statement.
The aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, is capable of refuelling military planes midair and typically plays a key role in extending the range of fighter jets and bombers during U.S. operations. The aircraft type was widely used during the Gulf War to support long-range air missions.
