250 Iowa National Guard Soldiers To Return Home From Middle East

After nearly a year, around 250 Iowans serving with the Iowa National Guard will finally be returning home after assisting in the fight against ISIS in the Middle East.

As of January, around 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers were stationed throughout the region in Iraq and Syria. These soldiers were deployed to assist with Operation Inherent Resolve.

In December, two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed when an ISIS gunman opened fire on them. Their names were Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, and they were brought home and laid to rest in the respective communities

In a statement from the Iowa National Guard, they were deployed to help with "security and stability throughout the region," and reduce the capabilities of ISIS.

The returning soldiers are from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the 34th Infantry Division, and welcoming parties are expected in Des Moines and Sioux City when they do return. More information will be shared when it's available.

Read more at KCCI