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MoD names UK servicewoman killed in Iraq base missile attack UK servicewoman killed in missile attack on Iraqi base is named
(about 2 hours later)
L/Cpl Brodie Gillon, who died during attack on Camp Taji, described as popular characterL/Cpl Brodie Gillon, who died during attack on Camp Taji, described as popular character
The Ministry of Defence has named the British servicewoman killed in a missile attack on camp Taji in Iraq as L/Cpl Brodie Gillon. Britain’s defence secretary has said that those behind an indiscriminate rocket attack that killed a British medical technician and two Americans in Iraq on Wednesday will face justice.
The 26-year-old served as a reserve with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry. The dead Briton was named as L/Cpl Brodie Gillon, a reservist who served as a frontline medic with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, and volunteered for a deployment in Iraq this year.
Her commanding officer, Lt Col William Leek, said Gillon was “a hugely popular character in the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and we are proud and humbled to have served with her in our ranks”. The 26-year-old was killed when 18 rockets struck the Camp Taji base, 25 miles (40km) north of Baghdad, in an attack that the US said was conducted by an Iranian proxy group operating in Iran, probably Kataib Hezbollah.
“She was a larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience. Ben Wallace, the UK defence secretary, described the attack as “a cowardly and retrograde act” and said his thoughts were the families of those killed. “We shall not forget their sacrifice and will ensure those who committed these acts face justice,” he said.
“She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers. Her loss is keenly felt.” A further 14 personnel were wounded when 18 Katyusha rockets hit the base on Wednesday. The US said they were fired from a truck launcher, found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack.
He said Gillon’s family and loved ones were in the thoughts and prayers of himself and the wider regiment. Mark Esper, the US defence secretary, said the Pentagon was considering a military response. It is unclear if the UK would be willing to join.
Gillon’s squadron leader, Maj Craig Powers, who is head of A Squadron, said Gillon would be “remembered with great fondness as an utterly professional soldier, an outstanding medic, and loyal friend to all in A (Ayrshire) Squadron. She was a hugely popular and very much respected member of the squadron. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.” “Let me be clear, the United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies,” Esper said. “All options are on the table as we work with our partners to bring the perpetrators to justice and maintain deterrence.”
The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said: “From the warm testimonies of those who served with her, it’s clear that L/Cpl Gillon was held in the highest regard and was a shining example of what our armed forces and reserves stand for, inspiring those around her and always putting others first. At the turn of the year, after a contractor was killed at a base in Kirkuk, the situation rapidly escalated, with the US killing the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in a drone strike.
“My thoughts go out to her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time and we will ensure they receive all the necessary support.” But on Thursday, when asked asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran, Esper appeared to rule out that possibility: “We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq.”
Gillon’s commanding officer, Lt Col William Leek, said she was a “hugely popular character”. “She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers,” he said. “Her loss is keenly felt.”
Wallace said: “From the warm testimonies of those who served with her, it’s clear that L/Cpl Gillon was held in the highest regard and was a shining example of what our armed forces and reserves stand for, inspiring those around her and always putting others first.”