Conflicting reports have emerged about a possible crash of a US aircraft in the Iraqi city of Basra, while American officials have strongly denied the claim.

According to Arab media reports, an aircraft believed to be American reportedly went down in Basra. However, it remains unclear whether the aircraft was shot down or crashed due to an accident. Local sources said a search operation is underway to locate the pilot who was reportedly on board the aircraft.

Despite these claims, US authorities have rejected reports that an American aircraft was shot down in the southern Iraqi city. Officials stated that there was no confirmation of such an incident involving US military aircraft.

The reports come at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, where military activities have increased following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

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Just a few days earlier, the US Central Command had confirmed that three F-15 fighter jets were destroyed in Kuwait. According to officials, the aircraft were mistakenly targeted by friendly fire from the Kuwaiti defense system during a military operation.

The fighter jets were reportedly part of an operation named “Epic Fury.” US officials said that all six pilots on board the aircraft survived the incident and were later shifted to a hospital for medical checks.

Authorities explained that the Kuwaiti defense system had accidentally engaged the aircraft amid fears of ongoing missile and aerial attacks in the region, as Iran has been carrying out repeated strikes during the escalating tensions.