A United States military refueling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to officials familiar with the situation.

The aircraft reportedly went down during a military operation targeting Iranian interests in the region, prompting an immediate rescue effort by U.S. forces.

At Least Five Crew Members Onboard

An American official who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity confirmed that at least five crew members were on board the aircraft when it crashed.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties, and search-and-rescue operations are currently underway in the area.

A spokesperson for the United States Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, confirmed the incident in a brief statement on Thursday.

Incident Not Caused by Enemy Fire

According to the military statement, the aircraft was part of the U.S. operation targeting Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury.

However, officials clarified that the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

Two Aircraft Involved

Military authorities also disclosed that two aircraft were involved in the incident.

While one of the aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the second aircraft involved was able to land safely, according to officials.

Central Command described the incident as “a loss”, though the exact circumstances that led to the crash remain under investigation.

Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Emergency teams and military personnel have been deployed to the crash site as rescue efforts continue.

The U.S. military has yet to provide details regarding the condition of the crew members or the type of refueling aircraft involved.

Officials say more information will be released once the rescue operation is completed and a preliminary investigation into the crash is concluded.

Growing Tensions in the Region

The crash comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East as the United States and Israel continue military operations against Iranian-linked forces in the region.

Analysts say incidents involving military aircraft during active operations can complicate already fragile regional security conditions.

For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing rescue mission and the fate of the crew members aboard the downed aircraft.