February 3, 2004

Buildup of LPDR and SRV Government Military Troops
Attacks Against Resistance Groups Continue 

Laos (FFC)   Sources within Laos reported a buildup of LPDR and SRV government troops in eastern Laos near the Vietnam border.  On Sunday, February 1, 2004, Seenoon and Wameng Yang, representatives of the U.S. Secret War veteran group in Bolikhamxay Province reported that from January 11, 2004 to January 30, 2004, the LPDR government has increased its military forces to attack their group in Bolikhamxay Province. They stated the LPDR government ordered 400 troops from Xieng Khouang Province led by Lieutenant Colonel Lor Fong Yang and Xai Blong Lor, Chief of Police in Xieng Khouang.; 400 troops from within Bolikhamxay Province led by Major Thong Bee and Major Boua Vang Vang; and another 200 North Vietnamese troops from the Republic Socialist of North Vietnam led by Lieutenant Ya Ngao.

Seenoon and Wameng Yang reported that these 1,000 joined military troops of the LPDR and the Republic Socialist of North Vietnam government have been attacking and encircling their group since January 11, 2004 to the present time.  They reported that on January 28, 2004 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the LPDR government used two helicopters known as MI-6 and MI-8 firing rockets and dropping bombs on them.  They also reported the LPDR government is using chemical weapons to kill the veterans and their families.  Bombs and mortars exploded with white, yellow, and green smoke.  Thirteen people were killed: five men and eight women.  More than 100 people were injured or wounded in the attacks.