Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Some Iowa National Guard Soldiers Deployed in Middle East Return to US

Approximately 250 Iowa National Guard soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team return in phases after months overseas supporting Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS.

  • On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Joint Force Headquarters in Des Moines announced about 250 Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division are returning this weekend after a Middle East deployment in Iraq and Syria.
  • The brigade began deploying to Iraq and Syria in late May 2025 to advise and assist partner forces, improving security and reducing ISIS capabilities, with nearly 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers stationed there.
  • The Guard says the return will happen in stages, with some returning troops heading home because their missions ended while others remain overseas supporting partner forces and base security based on personnel requirements and transportation availability.
  • Welcome-Home ceremonies are being organized in Des Moines and Sioux City within the next two weeks, following the Dec. 13 attack that killed two Guardsmen and a civilian interpreter, with three wounded soldiers recovering.
  • Joint Force Headquarters says other deployed Soldiers are starting to return due to progress toward U.S. Central Command objectives, and officials say more information will be revealed once plans are finalized.
Insights by Ground AI

11 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

KJAN broke the news in on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal