Baghdad, Mar 13 (V7N) — A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft belonging to the United States Air Force has crashed in the airspace of Iraq, according to reports from BBC News.

Following the incident, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) immediately launched a rescue operation.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the crash was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire, ruling out the possibility of an attack.

The exact cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed. However, preliminary reports suggest there may have been a mid-air collision between two aircraft.

The crashed aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker, is a military refueling plane used to provide fuel to fighter jets and bomber aircraft during flight. The aircraft is typically operated by a three-member crew, including a pilot and co-pilot.

So far, the United States has not reported any casualties from the crash.

A significant portion of the US military air assets is currently deployed in the Middle East, amid ongoing operations and heightened tensions involving Iran.

END/SMA/AJ