A Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker operated by the United States Air Force has crashed in western Iraq while a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the aircraft went down during operations in the region but clarified that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

The KC-135 crash marks at least the fourth American military aircraft lost since the war involving Iran began on February 28.

Earlier in the conflict, three F‑15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces over Kuwait during intense combat operations. All six crew members aboard the jets were able to eject safely.

According to the US Air Force, the KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft has been in service for more than six decades and typically operates with a crew of three, including a pilot, co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft in flight.

Some missions also require a navigator, and the aircraft can carry additional personnel depending on operational requirements.

The earlier incident involving the F-15 jets occurred during heavy combat operations that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones, according to US military officials.