Idaho Air National Guard Deploys to Middle East for Iran Strikes

Over 300 airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing sent to support Operation Epic Fury

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in flight, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color conveying a sense of speed and motion, conceptually representing the Idaho Air National Guard's involvement in the military operation against Iran.As the U.S. escalates military operations against Iran, the deployment of Idaho's Air National Guard unit underscores the far-reaching impact of this conflict.Boise Today

The 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard has deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. military operation targeting the Iranian regime's security apparatus. More than 300 Idaho airmen were previously deployed to the region in March 2025 and have now been sent back to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Why it matters

This deployment represents Idaho's contribution to the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as the military operation aims to 'dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus' and address what the U.S. views as an 'imminent threat.' The involvement of the Idaho Air National Guard highlights how regional forces are being utilized in this broader geopolitical conflict.

The details

According to Lt. Col. Chris Borders, the Idaho National Guard spokesperson, the airmen were deployed in late March and early April to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which spans 4 million square miles and 21 countries across northeast Africa, the Middle East and parts of central and south Asia. The 124th Fighter Wing previously deployed over 300 airmen to the region in March 2025 for a three-month period.

  • The 124th Fighter Wing was deployed in late March and early April 2026.
  • Over 300 Idaho airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing were previously deployed to the region in March 2025 for three months.

The players

124th Fighter Wing

An air unit of the Idaho Air National Guard that has been deployed to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury.

Lt. Col. Chris Borders

The Idaho National Guard spokesperson who confirmed the deployment of the 124th Fighter Wing to the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command

The U.S. military command responsible for operations in the Middle East, northeast Africa, and parts of central and south Asia, covering an area of 4 million square miles and 21 countries.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who launched Operation Epic Fury, the military operation targeting the Iranian regime's security apparatus.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not authorized to disclose additional information.”

— Lt. Col. Chris Borders, Idaho National Guard spokesperson

What’s next

The U.S. Central Command will continue to coordinate the military operation targeting Iran, with the involvement of the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing expected to continue in the coming months.

The takeaway

This deployment highlights how regional National Guard units are being utilized in the broader geopolitical conflict between the U.S. and Iran, as the military seeks to dismantle what it perceives as threats from the Iranian regime. The involvement of the Idaho Air National Guard underscores the far-reaching implications of this operation for communities across the country.