Nearly 600 Iowa soldiers returning from Middle East

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - Some 575 Iowa soldiers are set to return to the United States.

The Iowa National Guard says the soldiers are part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. They’re in the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission set to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

“Some Soldiers return earlier as their specific missions conclude, while others remain deployed to continue essential responsibilities such as partner support and base security,” The Iowa National Guard said in a statement. “Every Soldier contributes to mission success and to ensuring the safe return of the force.”

Welcoming ceremonies are set to be in Des Moines, Sioux City and Cedar Rapids. Details regarding the location and timing of those celebrations are set to come later.

This is the second wave of Iowa soldiers to return this year, about 250 came back in early February.

Two Iowa soldiers, Staff Sergeants Nate Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar were killed in Syria in December.

Governor Reynolds has expressed prayers and best wishes to the Iowa soldiers who are still in the region as tension in the Middle East have escalated over the weekend.

“Kevin and I are praying for our Iowa National Guard soldiers and all American military forces serving in the Middle East as the United States executes this mission,” Reynolds said.