A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq while supporting military operations against Iran, the U.S. Central Command announced Thursday. Rescue operations are currently underway following the incident.

The crash involved two aircraft in what Central Command described as "friendly airspace," with the second plane landing safely. A U.S. official speaking anonymously said the downed KC-135 was carrying at least five crew members, though their condition remains unknown. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter indicated on social media that the other aircraft landed safely in Israel.

Central Command stated the crash "was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire" but did not provide additional details about the circumstances. The incident marks the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft loss during the conflict with Iran, following three F-15E fighter jets that were mistakenly shot down by friendly Kuwaiti fire last week.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving aerial refueling aircraft based on the Boeing 707 design and in operation for over 60 years. The Air Force currently operates 376 KC-135s across active duty, National Guard, and Reserve units. Despite upgrades over the decades, the aircraft's age has raised concerns about reliability, with the last planes produced in the 1960s.

The tanker typically carries a three-person crew consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator who manages the refueling process. The aircraft can also transport cargo, passengers, and conduct medical evacuations. Security experts note that refueling operations usually occur in rear combat areas away from enemy fire.

This crash adds to the KC-135's accident history, including a fatal 2013 incident in Kyrgyzstan during Afghanistan operations and a 1966 collision with a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber near Spain that resulted in radioactive contamination.