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A tense search-and-rescue effort unfolded Thursday after an American refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, according to U.S. military officials, in an incident linked to ongoing regional operations amid escalating tensions involving Iran.

Authorities said the crash occurred in western Iraq and involved a second aircraft, though early assessments indicate the event was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

Mid-Air Incident During Operation Epic Fury

The aircraft involved was a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a critical platform used to refuel combat jets mid-flight.

The tanker went down while operating in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from United States Central Command.

Officials confirmed that another aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, though details about how the two aircraft interacted remain under investigation.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the command said in a statement.

Rescue Teams Deployed to Crash Site

Military teams immediately launched recovery operations after the American refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, dispatching search and rescue units to locate crew members and assess the wreckage.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of personnel aboard the tanker at the time of the crash.

KC-135 aircraft play a vital role in modern warfare, acting as airborne fuel stations that allow fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft to remain in the air far longer than they otherwise could.

Surge of U.S. Aircraft in Middle East

The crash comes as the United States has significantly increased its air presence across the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft to support operations connected to the widening conflict involving Iran.

Washington’s expanded air operations are part of a broader military effort following coordinated strikes launched by United States and Israel against Iranian targets beginning February 28.

Those operations have dramatically increased the tempo of air missions across the region, placing heavy demand on refueling aircraft like the KC-135.

Rising Casualties in Expanding Conflict

Since the campaign against Iran began, the conflict has already taken a toll on American forces.

According to military reports, seven U.S. service members have been killed since the strikes began in late February.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported earlier this week that as many as 150 U.S. troops have been wounded during the escalating hostilities.

While the Pentagon has not confirmed all casualty figures publicly, the numbers highlight the mounting risks facing American forces as operations intensify across the region.