Security is being heightened across the state in response to the U.S. airstrike that killed one of Iran’s top generals.

On Friday, a drone strike killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force who has been blamed for attacks on U.S. troops and American allies going back decades.

The Iranian regime has warned of a harsh retaliation, prompting Gov. Andrew Cuomo to order the National Guard to patrol New York City's airports.

Those troops were seen at LaGuardia International Airport Saturday morning, along with K-9 units and Port Authority police officers.

The governor says the stepped-up security it only being done out of an abundance of caution, and there is currently no specific threat to New York. He has also put several agencies on high alert, including the state Department of Homeland Security.

Counterterrorism expert Denis Monette says Iran could attack Americans overseas or activate sleeper cells in the United States.

“There are cells in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii,” he says. “There are terrorism cells that are operating, and they have great patience. Sometimes, they'll embed themselves for a long time before they carry out the attack.”