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March 18, 2003
Landmines - A Deadly Problem in Laos!
Laos (FFC) Landmines along trails in the rural areas of Northern Laos have proved to be deadly for Lao citizens. This is not a new problem. For decades people have been maimed or killed as the result of military landmines exploding as they unexpectedly trip a triggering device. Due to the lack of medical treatment many die from loss of blood.
The Fact Finding Commission (FFC) received rare video footage of the tragic deaths of two Hmong men, Choua Pao Vang, and Kong Meng Vue. Both men were killed by mines in November and December of 2002 in the Pha Sie Area of the Xaysomboune Special Zone while searching for food.
The mines are not those left from the Vietnam War era. These are modern mines planted by the Pathet Lao in areas groups of U.S. Secret War Veterans and their families gather food. As reported by FFC, in October 2002, LPDR and North Vietnamese military troops launched a heavy attack on the veterans and their families. On October 9, 2002 communist troops attacked and pushed the group from the protection of the Pha Sie Cliffs. Many were killed in the attack. As a result of the attack the communist military forces seized control of the cassava fields and fresh water supplies. Trails around areas where the veterans gather food were heavily mined.
To gather food for their starving families, the veterans go on armed patrols in search of the cassava and edible roots. It was on such patrols Vang and Vue unknowingly set off the mines that ultimately took their life.
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