A United States military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, in an incident that US Central Command said involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The accident occurred as the United States continues to deploy a large number of aircraft to the Middle East for operations targeting Iran.
The incident underscores the operational risks faced by military aircraft even when flying over areas considered friendly airspace.
In a statement, U.S. Central Command said rescue operations were underway after the U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down, while the second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury,” the statement said, referring to the military campaign name for U.S. operations against Iran.
A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the other aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 tanker. The official added that the aircraft that crashed had up to six service members on board.
However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organisation of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for bringing down the U.S. military refueling aircraft.
In a statement, the group said it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace”.
The KC-135, manufactured by Boeing during the 1950s and early 1960s, has long served as a key component of the U.S. military’s aerial refueling fleet, enabling aircraft to conduct long missions without needing to land.
Since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, seven U.S. troops have been killed. During the conflict, the United States has struck more than 6,000 targets inside Iran.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that up to 150 U.S. troops have been injured during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The aircraft crash was reported on the same day that two U.S. sailors were injured after a non-combat-related fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald Ford.
The ongoing war has so far claimed more than 2,000 lives, including nearly 700 people in Lebanon.
