BAGHDAD: An American aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a military mission, prompting the United States military to launch a search and rescue operation in the area.
According to the US Central Command, the incident involved two aircraft participating in the same mission. One KC-135 refuelling plane went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft managed to land safely.
Officials stated that the crash did not occur due to hostile or friendly fire. The incident took place in friendly airspace during a military operation identified as Operation Epic Fury.
Rescue teams have been deployed to the crash site and surrounding areas to locate and assist any personnel involved. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties or survivors.
Meanwhile, a group identifying itself as the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft. In a statement, the group said the action was carried out in response to what it described as a defence of Iraq’s sovereignty and airspace.
The crash comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing military operations in the Middle East. Earlier reports from US defence officials indicated that several losses had already been recorded during the conflict, with seven service members killed and around 140 others injured, including eight reported to be seriously wounded.
The KC-135 aircraft is commonly used by the US Air Force as an aerial refuelling platform, allowing fighter jets and other aircraft to refuel while flying. The aircraft typically operates with a crew that includes a pilot, co-pilot, and a boom operator responsible for conducting mid-air refuelling.
Reports also indicated that prior to the latest incident, three US F-15 fighter jets had been shot down by Kuwaiti air defence systems.
