Two Americans, one British soldier killed in Soleimani birthday strike in Iraq

Two Americans and a coalition-partner national were killed in a rocket strike Wednesday in Iraq, Defense Department officials confirmed. Some 12 additional coalition personnel were injured in the 18-rocket salvo on Camp Taji, according to a statement from the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.

The attack came on what would have been Qasem Soleimani's 63rd birthday. The Iranian Quds Force commander was killed Jan. 3 in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport.

"Three Coalition personnel were killed during a rocket attack on Camp Taji, Iraq, March 11," read the statement from Operation Inherent Resolve. "The names of the personnel are withheld pending next of kin notification, in accordance with national policies."

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Coalition spokesman Col. Myles Caggins tweet on attack in Iraq

(Twitter)

"The attack is under investigation by the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces,” according to the statement. “Camp Taji is an Iraqi base that hosts Coalition personnel for training and advising missions." 

As of Wednesday night, no one is known to have claimed responsibility for the strike.

Col. Myles Caggins, spokesman for the US-led coalition tweeted that the attack took place "March 11 at 7:35 p.m. (Iraq Time). Assessment and investigation ongoing, follow @OIRSpox & @SecMedCell for updates."