SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – As tensions rise in the Middle East, it is unclear whether South Dakota troops are currently stationed there, or if they will be soon.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said he’s been in communication with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about ways states can “remain vigilant.”
In a social media post, Rhoden said his administration joined a briefing with the secretary.
The South Dakota National Guard said in a statement to KELOLAND News that they do not disclose specific deployment locations or troop movements, but confirmed that soldiers and airmen are deployed in the United States.
“South Dakota guardsmen and women are deployed within the continental United States, actively engaged in critical missions focused on defending the homeland,” the statement read. “These dedicated soldiers and airmen are contributing to essential security efforts, bolstering our nation’s defenses, and ensuring the safety of our communities. We are immensely proud of their commitment and professionalism as they serve in these vital roles.”
The South Dakota National Guard has nearly 4,300 soldiers and airmen, according to its Facebook page.
In May, Rhoden posted on social media that national guard troops were down on the southern border. The 109th Engineer Battalion was sent to the Del Rio Sector in October. According to a news release from the SDNG, the guard will be there until approximately October 2025. Around 50 troops were deployed.
A group of 150 South Dakota Air National Guard members were deployed to the Middle East in September 2024. The deployment of the 114th Fighter Wing was part of a scheduled rotation every four years.
KELOLAND News in September 2024 spoke with family and friends of the airmen. They said they were worried because of the conflict with Israel and Hezbollah
“I did cry a little bit just saying good-bye to all my friends, you know with everything going on in the world right now, it’s very scary,” Nicole Ryan said at the time.
The deployment was for six months, so troops were expected to return home in March.
On June 7, the 114th Fighter Wing welcomed home 180 airmen who were on deployment across the U.S. Central, Southern and Pacific Commands. The 150 airmen deployed to the Middle East were among those welcomed home during this ceremony, according to the Lt. Governor’s social media.
Surrounding states do have troops in the middle east, according to reports from the time.
In May, 70 members of The Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery Regiment in Minnesota were sent to the Middle East to support Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS. They are expected to be there until May 2026.
According to the 2024 Minnesota National Guard annual report, the state has nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen.
Around 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve at the end of May. The Iowa National Guard said it’s the largest mobilization of Iowa Guardsmen in over a decade.
The Des Moines Register said the soldiers will be deployed for over a year in parts of the Middle East, including Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.
The Iowa Department of Public Defense says the ING has around 9,000 members.
