(Photo: Agencies)

Washington (People’s Daily) – US forces top military commander in the Middle East accused Iran of launching an attack that killed two Americans in Iraq.

US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee that an Iranian-backed militia was responsible for the attack that also killed a UK soldier.

“Yesterday, hostile forces, most likely Shia militia groups, launched more than a dozen rockets at US and coalition forces at Camp Taji in Iraq, killing two Americans and one British service member, as well as wounding several more,” said McKenzie.

The US-led coalition in Iraq announced Wednesday evening that 18 Katyusha rockets hit the base north of Baghdad, killing three and wounding 12. Iraqi forces found a rocket-rigged truck a few miles from Camp Taji, the coalition said.

McKenzie announced the US needs to hold the “source” in Iran responsible and said, “You may ultimately live with a low level of proxy attacks in the region,” the US general said.

“I would tell you certainly, I would believe a red line for the US is going to be the death of US service members or those of our partners and allies. So that’s a red line," McKenzie also said.

Iran has been grappling with a severe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Iran Coronavirus cases exceed 10,000.

Meanwhile, confirmed COVID-19 cases have surpassed the 1,200 mark in the US. Amid what is now a global pandemic, tensions in the Middle East have heightened public concern.