Long Tieng, Laos - 50 Years Ago

 Long Tieng, Laos became a historical tragedy for many lives. It was 50 years ago. 

The CIA's role in Long Tieng, Laos, was critically important for several reasons:

• Covert Operations Base: 

• Long Tieng served as a secret base for the CIA's covert operations in Laos during the Vietnam War. This base was central to the CIA's efforts in conducting a secret war against the North Vietnamese and their allies.

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• Partnership with Hmong General Vang Pao: 

• The CIA worked closely with Hmong General Vang Pao, a key ally in the region. Together, they conducted numerous covert operations, which were vital in disrupting enemy supply lines and assisting the US war effort in Vietnam.

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• Support for the Hmong Tribe: 

• The CIA's involvement in Long Tieng also included support for the Hmong tribe, who were crucial allies against the North Vietnamese. This support included military aid and strategic guidance, helping the Hmong to defend their territory and engage in guerrilla warfare against the enemy.

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• Strategic Importance: 

• The strategic location of Long Tieng in the north-central highlands of Laos made it an ideal base for launching operations across the region. Its remote and difficult-to-access terrain provided a level of secrecy and security vital for these covert operation​​s.

Several key aspects:

• The Secret War: 

• Long Tieng played a crucial role in the Secret War conducted by the United States during the Vietnam War era. It was from this location that the US orchestrated covert operations against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, fundamentally altering the dynamics of the conflict in Southeast Asia.

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• The Ravens: 

• A notable aspect of Long Tieng's history is the involvement of the "Ravens", American pilots who played a pivotal role in these covert operations, often under extremely dangerous conditions. Their contributions and sacrifices are a significant part of the story of Long Tien​​g.

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• The Laotian Civil War: 

• Long Tieng was an epicenter in the Laotian Civil War, a complex and often overlooked conflict closely intertwined with the broader Indochina wars, including the Vietnam War.

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• Use of T-28 Aircrafts: 

• T-28 aircraft in combat roles over Laos, including in and around Long Tieng, were a prominent feature of the air operations during this period.

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• Human Cost and Legacy: 

• The operations and conflicts in and around Long Tieng had a profound impact on the local population, causing immense suffering and displacement. The legacy of these events continues to affect the region and its people.

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• The Struggle for the Plain of Jars: 

• The struggle for control over the Plain of Jars, a region near Long Tieng, was a critical and tragic part of the Laotian Civil War, reflecting the broader geopolitical and human struggles of the time.

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In summary, the CIA's role in Long Tieng was pivotal in shaping the course of the Secret War in Laos, influencing both the local dynamics and the broader context of the Vietnam War.

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