Detroit Lakes National Guard Unit Helping Evacuate Americans from Afghanistan

Army Lt. Col. Jake Helgestad

ST. CLOUD (KNSI) – A Minnesota National Guard unit from Detroit Lakes is helping evacuate Americans and their allies from Afghanistan.

According to the National Guard, Task Force 1-194 mobilized from Kuwait to Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. The task force is securing part of the Kabul airport and soldiers are providing humanitarian assistance to U.S. citizens, special immigrant visa holders, and their families.

The unit was mobilized shortly after the army was tasked with getting people out of the country as the Taliban took control earlier this month. The army stated the mission follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States.

Minnesota National Guard’s Task Force 1-194 mobilized in March 2021 to serve as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Regional Response Force based in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, as part of Task Force Spartan under Operation Spartan Shield. The army says Task Force 1-194 was positioned to respond alongside units from the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, Marine Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force, and Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Task Force 1-194 includes units from St. Cloud, Sauk Centre, Brainerd, Camp Ripley, Detroit Lakes, East St. Paul, Crookston, and Cottage Grove.