A United States military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, prompting an ongoing rescue operation, according to United States Central Command. The incident involved a second aircraft, which landed safely, and officials said it was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

The crash occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, part of the broader United States military campaign against Iran. The United States has recently deployed a significant number of aircraft to the Middle East as part of its expanded operations in the region.

Since the United States and Israel began launching strikes against Iran on February 28, seven United States service members have been killed. Reports earlier this week indicated that up to 150 United States troops have also been wounded in the conflict.