New Delhi, March 13 -- A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This prompted an immediate search and rescue mission.

The aircraft involved was a KC-135 Stratotanker, which the US Air Force uses for aerial refuelling missions. These planes allow fighter jets and other military aircraft to stay in the air longer by refuelling them during flight.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident involved two planes operating in the same area. One plane went down in western Iraq, while the other landed safely. Officials confirmed that the crash took place in what they called "friendly airspace."

The military stated that the crash was not due ...