Washington — An American military aerial refueling tanker that was involved in the U.S. military operation in Iran crashed in Western Iraq on Thursdayaccording to multiple U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News.
Recovery efforts are underway in the area where a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed. The status of the crew is unknown at this time. A second aircraft was damaged but landed safely.
Contacted by CBS News, U.S. Central Command asked a CBS News reporter to hold the story initially. CBS News agreed given the sensitivity of the matter.
A statement from U.S. Central Command released Thursday afternoon said both aircraft were involved in the same incident, and it was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.
