U.S. soldier from Hanford reportedly killed in Iraq rocket attack

A U.S. soldier from Hanford was killed Wednesday in a rocket attack while serving in Iraq, the Defense Department reported Friday.

He was identified as Spc Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27. Mendez Covarrubias was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment for the 1st Cavalry Division of Fort Hood, Texas.

He was one of two servicemen killed in the attack at Camp Taji. The second was Air Force Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso, Oklahoma. A British soldier also perished, according to the Army Times.

According to Operation Inherent Resolve, approximately 12 additional personnel were wounded during the attack. The attack is under investigation by the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces. Camp Taji is an Iraqi base that hosts Coalition personnel for training and advising missions.

Approximately 18 107mm Katyusha rockets struck the base. The Iraqi Security Forces found a rocket-rigged truck, a few miles from the camp.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol. Also, Mendez Covarrubias’ family will receive a letter of condolence from the governor, according to a news relase from the governor’s office.

“On behalf of all Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom honor Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Partner extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 7:38 AM.