US carrying out rescue effort after military aircraft crash in Iraq

A U.S. military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command. They stated that another aircraft was involved, but the crash was not caused by enemy or friendly fire. The U.S. has sent many aircraft to the Middle East for operations against Iran, showing the dangers of such missions, even in friendly airspace. In their announcement, U.S. Central Command mentioned that they are conducting rescue operations after the KC-135 refueling aircraft went down. The second aircraft involved managed to land safely. “The incident happened in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury,” the statement noted, referring to the U.S. military operation targeting Iran. A U.S. official, who wished to remain unnamed, revealed that the other aircraft was also a KC-135 and that the crashed plane had up to six service members on board. An armed group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which consists of Iran-backed factions, claimed they shot down the U.S. refueling aircraft. They stated it was done “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” The KC-135, made by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, is essential for the U.S. military’s air refueling operations, enabling planes to complete missions without needing to land. Since the U.S. and Israel began strikes against Iran on February 28, seven U.S. troops have lost their lives. The United States has targeted over 6,000 locations in Iran.