After a US military plane crashed in Iraq, rescue operations were launched.

A US military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, with the US Central Command stating that the incident involved another aircraft, but was not caused by enemy or friendly fire. The US has deployed a large number of aircraft in the Middle East to participate in operations against Iran, highlighting the risks involved in such actions. The US Central Command stated in a release that rescue operations are underway after the KC-135 refueling plane crashed, with the second aircraft landing safely. The statement said, "The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation 'Epic Fury,'" using the military name for US actions against Iran. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the other aircraft involved was also a KC-135, with six military personnel on board the crashed plane. The KC-135, manufactured by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, has been a key asset in the US military's aerial refueling fleet, crucial for missions that do not require landing. Since February 28, seven US soldiers have died since the US and Israel began strikes against Iran, hitting over 6,000 targets within Iran.