On the morning U.S. forces launched strikes inside Iran alongside Israel, it’s believed that up to 200 Minnesota airmen and soldiers are deployed to the broader Middle East region. The United States and Israel carried out a large-scale strike on Iran early Saturday. In response, President Donald T rump urged Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” and rise up against the Islamic regime that has governed the country since 1979. Iran answered with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region. According to a report by WCCO-TV last week, more than 200 Minnesota National Guard members are deployed in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The command area spans 21 countries that include the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia and Northeast Africa. WCCO said Minnesotans deployed to the command area include members of Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the Marshall-based 1-151 Artillery and the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company. Although specific missions and locations are not public, WCCO said Duluth citizen soldiers are “in the region to protect American airpower, defend regional allies and support coalition forces, and is focused on preserving peace and security throughout the region.” The Stillwater group was deployed to the Middle East in January, WCCO said, noting the unit will “support customs operations across the region as part of Operation Spartan Shield.” The Marshall group will “provide timely and accurate artillery fires in support of ground units operating in the U.S. Central Command area,” according to the WCCO report, which noted that the deployments were regularly scheduled ones but “they know that at any time, they could be called into action.” Related Articles War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by Congress What to know about US-Israel attacks on Iran AP reporter speaks to Iranian doctors who say agents intimidated them and obstructed medical care UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time   ...read more read less