The United States has acknowledged that one of its aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, amid the country’s joint military offensive with Israel against Iran.
The US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East confirmed this on Thursday as parts of Asia, issued a brief statement announcing the aircraft’s crash, as well as rescue efforts.
The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Before the aircraft crash, the US military had reported that seven service members had died in the ongoing military campaign. Another 140 have been wounded overall, with Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell counting eight with severe injuries.
