US military announces rescue effort after fueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

"U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The statement appeared to suggest that the crash involved two planes, possibly colliding or engaging in close manouevres. The second plane, it said, landed safely."

"Before the aircraft crash, the US military had reported that seven service members had died in the ongoing military campaign. Another 140 have been wounded overall, with Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell counting eight that face severe injuries."

"Central Command explained that the jets, three F-15E Strike Eagles, were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences during an active combat situation, as Iran issued retaliatory attacks across much of the Middle East. In that incident, the six aircraft personnel on board the fighter jets ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition."

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, a joint military offensive with Israel against Iran. The crash involved two aircraft, with one landing safely and the other experiencing the incident. U.S. Central Command confirmed the crash occurred in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. No immediate fatalities were reported, though rescue efforts were underway. This incident follows previous military losses, including seven service members killed and 140 wounded in the campaign. Three F-15E Strike Eagles were previously downed on March 1 due to friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses, though all personnel ejected safely.

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