A United States military refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq while participating in an operation linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US Central Command has confirmed.

According to the command, the incident occurred in “friendly airspace” during Operation Epic Fury, stressing that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The military said two aircraft were involved in the incident.

In a statement released on Thursday, the command explained that one of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft landed safely. Search and rescue operations were immediately launched to locate and assist the crew members.

The crashed aircraft was identified as a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a key refuelling tanker used by the US Air Force to supply fuel to combat aircraft during long-distance missions. The aircraft typically operates with a crew of three — a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator — although the condition and status of those on board remain unclear.

Speaking shortly after news of the incident broke, Jim Himes said early information suggested the crash may have been an accident rather than a combat-related event. He noted that a KC-135 usually carries between three and five crew members and expressed hope for their safety.

Himes, who is part of the “Gang of Eight” lawmakers regularly briefed by the White House on sensitive intelligence and military operations, described the crash as part of the unfortunate risks associated with warfare.

The crash comes amid heightened military activity in the Middle East following the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Reports indicate that at least seven US soldiers have been killed since the conflict began.

The US military has also lost several aircraft during the conflict. Earlier this month, three McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle aircraft were reportedly shot down in what officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait, although all six crew members ejected safely.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, remains a crucial component of the US military’s air refuelling fleet, enabling fighter jets and bombers to stay airborne longer and carry out missions without the need for landing.