US military announces rescue effort after fueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

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The United States has acknowledged that one of its aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, amid the country’s joint military offensive with Israel against Iran.

On Thursday, US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East and parts of Asia, issued a brief statement announcing the aircraft’s crash, as well as rescue efforts.

There was no immediate indication whether there were fatalities or survivors.

“U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft,” the statement said.

“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”.

“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement added.

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.

Thursday’s crash is the latest to befall the US military since it began operations against Iran on February 28.

Already, three fighter jets were downed in an apparent friendly fire incident on March 1, just one day into the war.

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.

Still, the war against Iran has been unpopular among the US public, with polls showing it is the first conflict in recent decades to have a negative approval rating from the outset.

This is a breaking news story. More details to come.