Washington, 13 March (H.S.): A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft has gone missing in western Iraq, the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed Friday, sparking a frantic search-and-rescue operation.

The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury in friendly airspace, involving two aircraft. While one KC-135 crashed in the region, the second landed safely, USCENTCOM stated on its official X account. USCENTCOM is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. This mishap happened during Operation Epic Fury in friendly airspace, and rescue operations are ongoing, the post read. It emphasized that the crash was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire.No information is available yet on the five crew members aboard the lost aircraft.

USCENTCOM's statement did not specify casualties or injuries among U.S. personnel. A U.S. official told CNN that the second KC-135 achieved a safe landing. Typically crewed by three to four members—including a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator who refuels other aircraft mid-air—the KC-135 may include a navigator for critical missions, per Air Force documentation.

This comes just a week after three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed by ground fire in Kuwait, though all six crew members escaped unharmed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar