L/Cpl Brodie Gillon, a 26-year-old reservist medic, has been named as the British servicewoman killed in a rocket attack on Camp Taji in Iraq on Wednesday. She served with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and had volunteered for deployment this year.
Eighteen Katyusha rockets struck the base, killing two US personnel and wounding 14 others. The US has blamed an Iranian proxy group, likely Kataib Hezbollah, for the attack. Iraq security forces later found a truck launcher used in the assault.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described the attack as “a cowardly and retrograde act” and vowed that those responsible would face justice. He said: “We shall not forget their sacrifice and will ensure those who committed these acts face justice.”
L/Cpl Gillon’s commanding officer, Lt Col William Leek, paid tribute, calling her a “hugely popular character” who was destined for great things. Wallace added that she was “a shining example of what our armed forces and reserves stand for”.
In response, the US carried out retaliatory air strikes in Iraq late Thursday, targeting a paramilitary group with ties to Iran. Wallace supported the US action, stating: “We support the right of the United States to defend themselves.”
