WASHINGTON

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday that a refueling aircraft was lost over Iraq during its operation against Iran, which began last month.

"U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing," it said in a statement.

Two aircraft were involved in the incident, CENTCOM said, adding one of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed "safely."

"This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," it said.

Additional details will be released as they become available, the command said.