America's Secret War in Laos Uncovered | ABC News

As President Obama makes a historic visit to Laos, ABC News' Bob Woodruff uncovers decades-old cluster bombs that are claiming lives of innocent children.
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[@seanphan2373]

What I hate the most was the fact that I never once heard about this in school. I found out by my Grandparents who fought in this war in return they could go to America. When my grandparents finally came out and told me about their past, I thought they were lying. It wasn’t until I googled it and researched it did I realize it was true.

[@Bleezyyyys]

Same with my grandpa, if it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be in America now. I was born in America in 94

[@scholarssolutions6735]

A lot of American atrocities are hidden. There’s a reason why they arose through genocide and war crimes- that’s always been their legacy.

[@dennisx4492]

I’m first generation from Laos to be born in Washington State in 1987. I wish I had known about this story when was younger, because feel as if I let education and everything my parents told me go for granted….

[@brannray]

And we wonder why people hate us here in America. ='( This is absolutely heart breaking!!!

[@jimbomanivanh9697]

BrannRay what happened?

[@Pred4tor83]

What's past is past I'm Laotian and i don't hate American people, there are many tourist from american visiting Laos and im sure many people will welcome them, but there could be some asshole as well. There are good people and bad people in this world and that goes for all race.

[@seize7days]

BrannRay, why are you feeling guilty for something your grandparents did? South East Asians never hated on Americans, never did and never has. Anyways, Asians were forgiving. We understand it was a war. Bad things happen in wars.... In our present time, we Americans should be worried about middle eastern Islamic people hating on the USA.

[@ChuckyJCthulhu]

Yes this is the problem, it's not just a past issue but US military industrial complex and corrupt war mongers in elites still don't learn and push wars all over world. Plus there's still a lot of unexploded bombs in Laos that need cleanup help.

[@Marijuana870]

seize7days worried we American cause that war in middle eastern all over for oil.

[@paoyang7820]

it's so sad that my Hmong people and Laotian have to face this..god bless my people.

[@lespaulguitarist92]

you do know that some of those bombs were drop by hmong pilots?

[@Hmonks]

we are never Laos, when we migirated to Laos we where always treated like second rate citizen. I'm glad that we joined force with the US and helped drop these bomb to the NVA and Pather Laos.

[@seize7days]

@Pao Yang, deal with it. Most of the Hmong people are sided with the Americans who dropped those bombs. The Lao King and royal family and some of the Lao people are with the Americans who dropped those bombs. Those bombs are being dropped on communist Pathet Lao and the NVA/Vietcongs. There was a war, the motive is to win at all cost. You should research the persecution of the Hmong after that secret war.... someone already pointed out to you that some of those bombs are dropped by Hmong pilots. Learn your history, Pao. I know my history well. No regrets.

[@seize7days]

@TimiNator92, I'm gonna have to disagree with you that those bombs were not dropped by Hmong pilots. Yes, there were a handful of Hmong pilots who piloted T-28 World War 2 planes. But these Hmong pilots were fighting communist Pathet Lao and Vietcongs in the jungles and they dropped bombs into those jungles. It was American B-52 bombers that dropped those CBU bombs all over the country. Those bombings helped the royal government against the communist uprising at that time. It was a war.

[@bellaphone5719]

Pao Yang ya people betray my people gtfo with that shit ya Hmong are traders

[@treinayang6400]

It's been over 40 years and most Americans are just learning about this. Thanks for this video. It really was the "secret war". Bless those children and families! ❤

[@evanyang17]

Bless them? We started it all, it's OUR fault that this happened. Maybe if we were just westernized and educated enough, this could have been avoided completely, but NOOO we just had to win independence from the French, and think that communism was a "good" idea.

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@guy8646]

@@evanyang17 You don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@zzz0383]

@@hmong_keeb_kwm I think you're right. My father told me the same story as you said.My father was in his sixties so he knew about the war.I'm Lao

[@agarykane2127]

@@hmong_keeb_kwm thank you so much for this comment!

[@calisfinest3556]

My mother told me her story of what she had to do to survive. She had to walk for days and night to escape with no food. I was fortunate enough to not have to go through that because I was born here. But it made me appreciate her more thinking about what she had to go through.

[@entropie138]

My grandfather had uprooted his family from Laos during the conflict. They fled into neighboring Thailand and flew to the United States to join relatives. They all gained refugee status and soon afterward, naturalized citizenship. I was the first person in my family born in the U.S. Watching this, I learned some new things. I never could fathom the amount of munitions that were dropped in Laos. Thank you for covering this story.

[@dennisx4492]

I’m also first generation to be born in USA. 1987 Washington State

[@gervang5361]

A land once called the Land of millions elephants and now it's land of millions un-exploded cluster bombs. I could be one of those children during the war. I hope the world see that Laos needs help from the global community. Thanks.

[@richardwauters9658]

Masked Millionaires Channel . I was born in 1976. when we escaped . the Americans didn't help at all . it's kill kill kill

[@kyzmn]

@@richardwauters9658 cause we all looked the same, my grandpa had to work w lao intelligence to get us here, watch me get a visit from someone in a suit now.

[@gringo3002]

Also, the Land Many People Don't Know Exists.

[@milesdunstan-daams9162]

But there communist so that's why they don't get support from the US or charities

[@sugahbabydoll1]

My parents my elders lived through this.

[@senpaisanchoyt5225]

Chuck Connex America did not know about this. There would have been up roar.

[@littles3715]

Sue D'Alessandro oh wow!!! that's krazy baby!! wow!! 😢😢😢

[@seize7days]

Sue D'Allessandro, were your parents and elders commies helping the Vietcongs or Pathet Lao? If they were being bombed by those jets, then they surely were/are commies. You got to know what you're talking about and which side you're on.

[@LeaPapin]

Mine too, they still suffer from the trauma

[@ramenbowl4787]

Sue D'Alessandro I wish I can ask my great grandma but I don't know how to speak laos I'm from laos

[@PoorJuicyPlant]

Lost my grandpa, grandma, during the war. My self? I was 5 years old, my little sister was 3. All I remember was my sister on my mom back, mom was hold my hand… we run, run run! My sister and I raw grass roots, young bamboo, banana trunk, raw crab, or anything my mom find on ground. Thank my mom for keeping me and my sister Allie. By the way I lost my sister in Thailand camp, saddest thing in my life.

[@PoorJuicyPlant]

Who ever go though this you know you eat what I eat……

[@PoorJuicyPlant]

Hope some one see my story and share or learn what happen to everyone during that war.

[@ezzvsx]

😢

[@JH-kw8zy]

I am heart broken. I wish I could take away your grief as my own so you could only have good memories. I pray you see your sister someday. If not on Earth then in heaven.

[@silvergirl1960]

Thank you for talking about this. Obama's assertion that the bombs were a result of our efforts to help in Laos' civil war, however, is just not true. Laos was collateral damage of U.S. war on a massive scale.

[@jigo9377]

The us did help lao. it was to stop communism to spread throughout asia. thailand was saved and became neutral cause of the war in laos. Thamks to the hmongs and usa that communism didnt spread to thailand

[@keeksmeeks2839]

Lao people let the Vietcongs kill their own King, now communist Kings are robbing their people even more. 30 years later and Laos is still poor as shit because of corruption. Laos would be on par with Thailand if their people weren't such cowards. I praise the Hmong fighters who fought communism til the end. I hope their people prosper in America.

[@fireeyes79]

@@keeksmeeks2839 no, the king's cousin was preparing a coup with the vietcong

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@scholarssolutions6735]

@@jigo9377 Sure. In the meantime they killed and wounded hundreds of thousands of innocent people. And those bombs are still killing innocent people btw. Meanwhile, the USA has turned its focus to bombing children in Somalia instead of having the bare minimum of decency to clean up their weapons.

[@MSal7]

I’m here after Sunisa’s Olympic win. and while I’m grateful her platform brought her community to my attention, I’m so deeply saddened their beautiful culture and our role in their hardships is something I’ve only just learned about. Hoping her exposure touches hearts and minds as it did mine. so much respect.

[@Teddog64]

Who here is laos 🇱🇦

[@lilybaugher1892]

Ted Dog hellooo

[@Auron_24]

Laoviet =)

[@justinphimmakaysone7006]

Me, In fact my family knows the guide

[@ramenbowl4787]

Ted Dog I'm from laos been there is don't live there

[@aluminaries6078]

Me (a little)

[@englishadventureswithteach8134]

I'm watching this 6 years after it was posted as I wait to return to Laos. I have lived there twice. Currently in Cambodia during the Pandemic with no direct flights from here back to Laos. Hope I will be able to return soon. This video made me cry. The atrocities perpetrated by my country in Laos are horrendous. A big reason I came here to serve as a teacher is to offer an apology for what my government and it's people have done. The US should be here doing everything it can to support all affected by these bombings and to remove the danger as soon as possible.

[@tl947]

As a Thai national, I feel ashamed that we let this happen in our own backyard. Especially considering how close (both culturally/linguistically) we are to Laotians and the fact that we allowed the US to use bases in Thailand for this bombing campaign.

[@LeaPapin]

Theparith Laohavoravudhikul but thankfully there were refugee camps for Laotians in Thailand. If not I would have no family.

[@NattapolPhorueng]

So, what you want Thailand suppose to do in that's time? if they don't did it Thailand will came to one of communist country, remember not just only Vietcong who fight in this war, too many Cuba USSR soldier were die in that's area. you you think Thailand can fight alone? yes, we Thais feel guilty with this situation, but for the nation who concern to be impartial nation, let Vietcong into your backyard and kill the royal. this hard time to decision also

[@kjkhdfghjkgdsggjgfyj7144]

you thai people were lucky ain't didn't spread on your soil..

[@flagassault9715]

Theparith Laohavoravudhikul we bombed communists so your grandparents would live better

[@hmobjay6445]

kjkhdfghj kgdsggjgfyj it actually did spread to Thailand. The Viet Congs actually came on to Thai soil. Starting in 1977. The Thai government went as far as recruiting Hmong fighters from refugees camps to help fight. Look up the history.

[@isabellaseng8478]

I just can't believe my grandpa had to stay in a refugee camp & dealt with things like this . I'm so thankful he's here in America with everyone

[@gooncoon7340]

Weeklybella take him to Dinner tomorrow

[@DChillest]

My grandfather was a part of the secret Laos war. He was, what he told me, a gunnery sergeant and a parachuter. He never got anything for helping with the US. My family then came to America by becoming sponsored. Till this day, my grandfather has heard nothing from his American officer/ captain, and all he has is just the remembrance somewhat of what happened in Laos. He has lost his hearing probably due to the explosions, but I won’t say that for sure. I’m thankful for what he had to do to bring his family to safety and a better life, just wished they were given what they were told. 🙏🏽

[@DChillest]

They worked on a farm in Ohio for quite some time until they were done and then moved to California. And my grandfather has many grandchildren to love and he will get to hopefully see his great grandchildren in the future ❤️

[@steveo6034]

The reporter, Bob Woodruff, was nearly killed by an IED in Iraq. Great to see him recovered and back to work; he has been one of the best reporters of his generation.

[@sugahbabydoll1]

General Vang Pao mentioned by the elder is the Hmong leader who made a deal with the U.S. to fight the communist. The Hmong where trained and fought along side American military. That is how some 300,000 Hmong came to the U.S. in the 70's as a political asylum.

[@hypn0tk]

Truth.

[@EsShiestyVaj]

Sue D'Alessandro we Hmong people don't have a choice we must picked a side and pick the American and when the American pulled it troops out we paid the ultimate price get out of Laos or they will kill us all. After all we Hmong are in their battle ground

[@seize7days]

Sue D'Alessandro, I find it funny that they blame only Vang Pao for the bombs. It was the royal Lao government that allowed the Americans into Laos and Vang Pao was just the military commander to work with the Americans. It would have been a different story if the royal Lao government and Vang Pao had won in Laos, then this situation would not be a problem. And Laos would be much more prosperous now.

[@jevyoung8885]

Sue D'Alessandro zoo Donald will kick all u hmong back to laos. Go back to where u came from.

[@keeksmeeks2839]

that's how propaganda works. communism is a joke! Laotian leaders are robbing their own people right infront of them and they dare not do anything about it. one of the most corrupt country in the world.

[@dennisx4492]

My dad survived this war in Laos and I’m lucky to have him till this day, to hear his stories about all the lives that were lost and lives that he had taken.

[@hannamdk8989]

You know that the US is not the victim right 🤡

[@dennisx4492]

⁠@@hannamdk8989I’m not blaming anyone, I was celebrating my father’s life and cherishing his stories. And to add, I’m not making this a political argument.

[@narusuke8393]

​@@dennisx4492your father was murderer??

[@dennisx4492]

@@narusuke8393he fought against the communist alongside the Americans. He was the one who called for air strikes when he located the communists hiding in the mountains or wherever

[@shroomedgremlin542]

It's hard to hear this. My dad suffered so much. He lived through the worst of the secret war.

[@Izahdnb]

Such a beautiful country with lovely people. And you blew them up for no good reason at all.

[@entity6609]

Dude the South Vietnamese wanted help from America. They wanted to stop the spread of communism.

[@evanyang17]

It's all justified. It was us who fucked up.

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@j.m.5995]

@@hmong_keeb_kwm TT this is like a book

[@marixcx]

@@entity6609 Not our business

[@reggiebrown3141]

This is heart wrenching. We have done some terrible things in our past. The war is over but people continue to suffer. How diabolical is that? It's all so sad.

[@astrolillo]

"Our past" LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Dont know if cynic or very naive

[@firstname4116]

war is like throwing a rock into a lake, even after the rock has sink, the ripples will continue to disrupt the water

[@12TribesUnite]

Thank you for doing this story and for uploading! Its great to know that there ARE great reporters still . Kudos

[@CamilleJanine]

the fact that they don’t teach us about this in American high schools... truly heartbreaking

[@tree3y763]

Camille Bautista When I take AP US history I’m gonna start ranting in class abt this!

[@SableTasogare]

My mother, father, maternal grandmother, both uncles and aunt lived through THAT. I spent all my life wanting to learn about my people, my culture and I find THIS? I feel conflicted, because I used to be so annoyed when all they talked about was Laos, only good times though. I don't have the heart to ask " What was it like? What did you have to do to survive? What did you experience? Were you scared? Do you still hate Americans? How did you come to America? " 34 years later and I still don't have the courage to ask because I don't want to make them relive THAT again.

[@financierechris9566]

this is the country of my mom I cried all my tears to see this .. please help and do something ❤🙏

[@mongher103]

Very sad how this was never taught in school, ever. Just imagine how many innocent lives were lost... those who were stuck in the middle and young boys as young as 9 years old were FORCED to join. Regardless of which side someone is on, no one wins. It’s the aftermath that is most heartbreaking. Broken homes, families, peace of mind... no matter how many years, the scars remain. Wish humans didn’t have to be so greedy, evil, selfish, ignorant and heartless.

[@rabbidcrazy787]

Ikr

[@captureitlive]

I'm in Laos right now ... we should have come to physically help these people.

[@Ku4n-]

Record it

[@hlub1111]

Thank you so much for covering this story. My dad fought in the secret war saving many American lives but this part in history has not been told. There are many untold stories of what's happening right now in the jungles of Laos. the genocides and the killings in present time.

[@kimmyettewood7720]

Out of genuine curiosity and with no intention to tarnish the memory of your father, how did their involvement "save American lives"? America did not appear to be directly affected by the political situation in Vietnam, but (as per usual America) decided to join a proxy war against "communism" sending God-knows-how-many American troops to their death.

[@zayah0815]

As an American that is just now learning about this, this is heartbreaking 💔. I believe wars in general are heartbreaking since we are forced to hurt one another. I'd rather us love and respect each other but world peace is just a pipe dream

[@daysadaysa9193]

Can't believe my relatives lived through this...

[@CrystalHotSauce1]

43 years later and little children are still dying or getting injured from this Bs. Sad. Generations are and will continue to endure this 😭

[@oldirty8973]

My boss is a refugee from Laos, he told me today about the secret war and it was my first time ever hearing about it. Wow

[@soy_was_here_but_gae2859]

Hope you Laotians are doing fine. You guys seem like really nice people and you all don't deserve this. - from your southern neighbours, Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@viexay]

You khmer also suffer a great deal in all this. The three southeast Asians countries all had it bad. Pol pot was also a bad dictator

[@gigxlith1858]

47 Years from now and I feel bad for the people that didn’t even one to be involved with the war in general :(

[@vivv5402]

I'm still very sad and emotional over this. I still have tears hearing about this war over again. My mother is from there and listen to the story my mother told me since is was young. I couldn't believe that was real. I have never met my grandparents. She was be able to get out of there when she's married to my father, he's from South and also went to war. Back when I was young I never understood why my father hated American so much he didn't even want us to learn English or associate with American. But as I grow up I learn about truth just break my heart. So sad for the people who doesn't have the opportunity to get out of the land full of bombs.

[@meevang3353]

Me and my husband has been through this sad war...

[@teresamiles5929]

So very sad... Peace

[@WrittenInFilm]

The US should have recorded all areas where bombs where dropped for clean up efforts in the future

[@MistresseTristesse]

and they themselves should clean them up instead of laotians that had nothing to do with it. is all time, effort, personell and money someone has to put into these cleanup missions

[@BrillMota]

Very sad, watching this video made me cry inside.

[@blasblasblas2094]

America always repeats the same mistake over and over again.

[@kavang6716]

This breaks my heart to watch. All my uncles and father were in that secret war. I've heard stories but watching this truly makes me feel so blessed and broken at the same time. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@hannahcarpenter9842]

my mom her sisters and brothers and her parents fled through Thailand then to america after this war i cant believe she had to go through this with my aunts and uncles and grandparents

[@xl7131]

Read about it in the book: Tragic Mountains -- a journalist' account of that time.

[@koala9112]

This is my culture. When i ask of my parents' and grandparents' memories of Laos this is all they come up with. This war that killed a large amount of people I'd call family. I wish that more attention was called to this war but I guess they don't call it the secret war for nothing. The time is running out to remember this. We won't live forever.

[@MipaStuff]

As an Laotian-American our culture is dead. Only lies and propaganda will be made out of our ancestors death, who fought to ensure a new home for future generations who won't even remember them. Its a goddamn shame it is.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

Yeah, it's ironic. My parents kept it pretty classy when they talked sh about others 😁 Oh, & idiots only think they're clever. What other route are you gonna take when u're only on repeat?

[@THEOUTLAWS209]

First time visiting Laos last year and fell in love with the country. Can’t wait to go back. And also my wife is there.

[@thuyquanguc9981]

My grandma is Hmong but lived in Laos and her siblings died by these bombs even though it wasn't intentional they just didn't care what they bombed.

[@webkikif]

Laos such a beautiful country, so sad my people had to endure this.

[@robb4951]

Sorry my people did this to you 😭

[@daviibabii]

My grandpa fought in this war. He never told stories to any of me or other family members because he knew how horrible it would affect us.

[@destinationsunknowntheroadsles]

I have lost count of how many times I felt I have had to apologize to the Lao people for what we did there. Have traveled all over the country throughout the years. I have family there.

[@visassess8607]

Lol apologize for what?

[@scholarssolutions6735]

@@visassess8607 If you want to defend the American military, go spout off under some American propaganda video, there’s plenty of those considering the cia loves to fund propaganda films in Hollywood.

[@fettergraf]

@@visassess8607 war crimes

[@3366yerffej]

The US should cut it's military budget by two thirds and give that money to the million of victims they created.

[@Freyia935]

Jeffrey Hennig Eh the US has the worlds most biggest budget for the military. They have over 800 bases outside of the US land. 50,000 American troops in Germany alone.

[@3366yerffej]

Tom CMF I think it's under 700 but still far to many.

[@MizukuMirai]

Jeffrey Hennig you must be insane to think about that.

[@3366yerffej]

SF Flicks Not Insane just looking for some humanity in all the hate.

[@Freyia935]

The US is both good and bad at the same time. But we are a oligarchy not a democracy.

[@ajph5088]

God bless Laos 🇱🇦 From Ireland 🇮🇪

[@morisoba2550]

I hope the US talk with South Korea, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia to make a feasible plan on restoration and compensation for the dam collapse disaster.

[@CarbondaM5]

Nah, extortion is what's gonna happen

[@morisoba2550]

@@CarbondaM5 Could you explain who does extortion against whom for what reason ?

[@isabellaelliss5864]

i now live in Australia and my Grandparents, aunties and uncles and my mum escaped Laos during the war.

[@richardwauters9658]

was born in Laos now live in America and being treated as slaves here. there's no justice for anyone in this world .

[@hakiuzah2259]

Not only did they traumatized all the people, that terror was always passed down to their children!

[@aliyachanhdy1620]

I'm Laos and I was born in the USA but I'm still learning my language from my parents that were born in Laos

[@gooncoon7340]

Aliya Chanhdy you lao not Laos you ain’t the country lol 😂

[@el.vicho.de.la.sierra]

No one rly cares bruh

[@NangDeeSan]

@Aliya Chanhdy, You can start by referring to yourself as Lao and not the country. Laos= country Lao= Ethnic Tai-Lao people Laotian= nationality from Laos which can include any other ethnic tribes including Mien, Hmong, Karen, Khamu, Tai Nuea, Lao, etc.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

On a scale of what's being talked about U ppl r extreeeeeemmmeelly PETTY

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@chriswizo9891]

I have family who were greatly injured by these bombs 🥺

[@kiloxzzenn6026]

Lost all my grandparents during those times... I never knew what they looked like just heard stories.

[@BeHumb13]

channa's voice is so soulful and soothing

[@HuajVam83]

this is so sad.... many of our Hmong people have lost there lives.... RIP to them all

[@lake810]

Just now seeing this video, put me In tears and mixed emotions upon me being Thai, Laos, and American and being able to speak all languages all this really breaks my heart seeing my people die I wish I wasn’t American, people need to bring more awareness about this it shouldn’t just go out in silence I’m 18 this is the 1st time ever hearing about this.... anyone in pain or suffer and trauma my people god bless

[@Mr-6666]

Majority of the information is covered up by the CIA. The operation was ran by the CIA. The only way you can get more information is by asking the old veterans and the refugees that suffered through it.

[@visassess8607]

You do realize the simple fact of you being American doesn't mean you're responsible, right? People are apologizing for things they didn't do. I guess by that logic the Laotian people should apologize for their genocide, right?

[@lucy.k1033]

It’s ashame that my elder family had to go through this and other elderly people

[@ahhwe-any7434]

These victims have more guts than the cowards taking credit from objects.

[@hmoobmeeka]

look how quick they changed the subject when vang pao was mentioned

[@syhatheb]

laos is such a forgiving country it saddens me what my family went through when the war was on although i never been to Laos yet im really proud of how the laos people have moved on. NO MORE WAR!

[@visassess8607]

Lmao, I guess genocide is "forgiving"?

[@scholarssolutions6735]

@@visassess8607 Oh and so that justifies American soldiers murdering Laotians? Ironic how you point out not every American is at fault for America’s mass murder campaign yet you fail to extend sympathy towards the people of Laos that suffered. Not all of them were evil either.

[@bingbongproductions5569]

My question is did the US actually follow through with what Obama said; to help these people? Or was it another promise with no intention of being kept?

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

U.N reports have listed over 21 resistance groups in Laos that are still fighting the current Communist government in Laos. Still trying to push out the Communist to restore the original Royal Lao Government which I myself support. Laos is the poorest country in South east asia under the Communist control. The Communist government in Laos today is just a puppet government set by Vietnam when they invaded and forcefully establish the Ho Chi Minh trail through Laos. Long live the Royal Lao Resistance...

[@shonvoo1923]

i had first hand experience of this thing, used to dig out old grenades and unexploded bombies that were burried inches in the dirth, we used to search and dig out M-16 ammo among the mountain ranges near our village. my father and his relatives almost got killed when they built a campfire during a fishing trip, a bombie exploded from the campfire.

[@thelaotianaviator]

Ok I'm outraged by this

[@Valleyboi916]

Stay blessed my lao Hmong ppl 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@sgtcrab1]

How proud the B 52 crews must feel today.

[@TurboD16z6]

Im Hmong, second generation, my parents who came from Laos said the same thing, the bomb fell like rain day and night. But it's only a story to me. I was born here In American.

[@armani213]

The way that father looked at the reporter

[@Hilary-ys1gk]

Bout time people knew what really happen...

[@ceejezzyes06]

Omgggg I never knew about this. I am heartbroken to see this and to know that the US tried to hide this from us.

[@rabbidcrazy787]

Ikr.

[@hannahcarpenter9842]

During the Vietnam war my grandma and grandpa took my mom and her sister’s and brothers to Thailand and immigrated to America to escape the aftermath of the war my grandpa lost his leg and arms

[@trashycheeseburgerdefaultg4398]

Aw bbs...❤️ Be safe you don’t deserve to get hurt nor die. :’( 2016 I’m late....pls be safe

[@BeHumb13]

beautiful ppl

[@syhatheb]

Lovey Luvv thank you for the lovely comment on behalf e of the lao people

[@bossbonita1235]

So heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹 🤦🏻‍♀️ I would love to just hug all of those poor kids and help them 🙏🏼❤️

[@BobbyJr556]

So is the US gov doing anything about this right now? Are they sending some help or just leaving it "AS IS".... years have passed and is there any help given?

[@blasblasblas2094]

The U.S president Barack Obama went to Laos for that reason I believe.

[@jamessaephan7633]

My family has lost family members and limbs. Mien people have gone through a lot and still struggle.

[@sidn515]

Wars are tragic. They continue to kill and scar, physically and mentally , long after they are over.

[@tarahrose3285]

Bless Laos. Bless the world.

[@ashrohe1305]

We are shitty fucking people my god help us all this is horrible

[@ashrohe1305]

+Glitter nice one dumb ass

[@bbethany7]

No one mentions these atrocities were urged on by Henry Kissingerm a war criminal who ranks with the worst in world history.

[@kuvleejnushm6367]

Have you see the other side who are with the US suffer? I don't think you have seen it. These bombs saves countless lives who were surely got slaughter by these communist regime without these bombs.

[@troycambo]

henry kissinger was a joo. nuff said

[@noke5760]

avery time when i watching it make me cry it was soooo sad.

[@heavensent607]

And it’s still dropping silently til this day

[@pinklasagna8328]

One of the most underrated crimes against humanity.

[@pr0n3]

Woah...ABC's actually covering decent topics. Looks like a bit of the VICE channel rubbed off on them.....

[@sweetbunny8163]

I'm Lao. I've know about this war for a while. But I've never really seen the bomb. 😔

[@gooncoon7340]

Sweet Bunny I fought it this War and I got hit by two bombs but it did nothing to me

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@whejjwbwjdksbsj]

My mom escaped...she was only 3 years old but sadly my grandmas brother died while fighting...

[@ScriptorMan]

As a Hmong person whose Grandpa has fought in the Secret war, I feel sad. :(

[@cindy_le1106]

My grandpa fought in the Vietnam War along with the Americans in the South against the Communists in the North. He was jailed by the North Vietcong. Unfortunately, when he got out of prison, he accidentally stepped on a hidden bomb and died. That happened when my grandma was in her young adult ages. She's been so lonely for all these years, and slowly dying from Alzheimer's Disease right now 😰😭😭

[@thomashomsombath4649]

How’s your grandma now?

[@cindy_le1106]

@@thomashomsombath4649 she died

[@blasblasblas2094]

​@@cindy_le1106😢😢

[@chervang8796]

I still remember the land mines 😫😔😥😣😭😧😖

[@keilou_3296]

The US is why my mother left Laos to migrate across the Mekong to Thailand. I now live in Australia

[@suthungting]

god bless america....

[@zajliab6017]

my Hmong people....we've lost so much it brings tears to my eyes....we were recruited..... but nothing to anyone in the end.....

[@Hmonks]

Lue Xyooj well aren't you in America.

[@bellaphone5719]

Lue Xyooj you guys are traders remember that

[@Hmoobgai]

Bella sweetie I believe you mean traitor...fucking dumbass

[@kuedex]

@@bellaphone5719 we are not traitors you dumb fuck.

[@visassess8607]

Except for the many able to live in the US and give their kids a better life. Maybe the Laotian government shouldn't have sheltered the VC and NVA.

[@joephon3359]

America needs to help clean this mess up!

[@JH-kw8zy]

I'm a 28yo American and I'm just finding out about this because of TikT. I'm crying. I am so ashamed and sorry for what my country has done.

[@kvue2807]

I'm Hmong I know this

[@bellaphone5719]

K Vue you guys are traders

[@gaara8217]

@@bellaphone5719 , if you supported communism then you betrayed the Royal Laos family.... if your living outside of Laos then your family either sided with usa or played neutral but ran away with the anti-communist... why?

[@kuedex]

@@bellaphone5719 how? Is the true question.

[@FYMASMD]

@@bellaphone5719 FU!! Loser.

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

In 1954 France left Laos. But once the country was handed back to Laotian their was a power struggle. Three party power struggle between the Royal Lao, the Pathet Lao, and the Nurtualist Lao. -The Royal Lao is the Laotian Emperial Family. They were heavily supply with weapons by the U.S.A... -The Pathet Lao is from the lower class Pasent people that was lead by also the Laotian Emperial family too but from a prince that was not choose to be King. But wanted to be king and was going to fight for the position to try to kill the current king. They were heavily supply with weapons by the Communist. -Then the Nurtualist Lao which play neutral but was the party that actually physically started the war. They to was supply by the U.S.A then later by the Communist then later again by the U.S.A... so they were not Nurtualist but flip flop party... -Then their was the Mountains Hmong people that live in Northern Laos. The Hmong had people on both side of the party of the Royal Lao and the Pathet Lao. They had no real power until the C.I.A got involve. In 1958-1959 their was a nation wide voting in Laos to see what the people of Laos wanted Laos to fall under control of between these three party. The Royal Lao Party of the Emperial Family won the voting and that surprise really no body. The Emperial Lao Family have always control Laos calling the Kingdom of Lao the land of a millions elephant and their flag was the three elephant mark. They have always been the power of Laos and the people for thousand of years. So is no surprise the people of Laos choose the Royal Lao to take control of the country. But This did not stand well with the red prince who wanted to be King himself. He and the Pathet Lao in anger sieze control of the province bordering North Vietnam. At this time North Vietnam also had their own agenda to unit south Vietnam but needed to use Laos to transport weapons to the south. So the NVA send mass weapons to the Pathet Lao and the Red Prince to take control of Laos and remove the Royal Lao and the Lao Emperial Family from power. Because with the Pathet Lao controlling Laos instead the NVA can freely move weapons through Laos with no worries of attacks inside Laos. But under the Royal Lao control the Royal Lao Emperial will absolutely be against Vietnamese using Laos to transport weapons through Laos. Mean while the Nutralist Lao Party also in anger decided to physically take power from the Royal Lao and call the voting hack in favor of the Royal Lao and order their Nutralist Lao troops equipped with U.S.A weapons to take the capital by military force that Sparked the Laos Civil War to start. When the Nurtualist Lao party took control of the capital they partner up with the Pathet Lao and the Communist side. After the Nutralist Lao took the capital, Soviet Airplane begin to land in the Laos capital and the soviet air dropped weapons to the Nutralist Lao to help them hold the capital. The plan was to have the Nurtualist Lao troops now equipped with both U.S.A and soviet weapons to hold the capital while the Pathet Lao red prince army and North Vietnamese Army combine force Marching from the North Vietnamese border to come support the Nutralist Lao holding out at the capital. At this point in 1959 the situation was bad for the Royal Lao Emperial Family and they had no choice but to call U.S.A Washington D.C for support ASAP... The U.S scramble over 20,000 troops to station in border Thailand in ready. While sent in U.S special force into Laos to support the Royal Army to reorganize to retake the capital back from the Nutralist Lao before the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA reach the capital then all will be lost. The situation was bad. In 1959... But surprisingly the Mountains Hmong in Northern Laos that was loyal to the Royal Lao was able to stop the combine force of the Pathet Lao and the NVA in their track at the battle of Pa Dong lead by a hmong name Vang Pao by themselves. This gave the Royal Lao Army time to built up and along with the u.S special force retook the capital from the Nurtualist Lao Army and push them east to the Vietnamese border. The U.S.A in surprise of the Mountains Hmong will to fight against the communist sent in the C.I.A and begin to supply the Hmong to fight against the Communist. After the capital was retake and the Royal Lao Emperial family fully took power the communist was slowly push back to vietnam. After this issue the United Nation step in to resolve the issue. At the United Nation Geneva talks. It was made clear that for both the U.S.A and the North Vietnamese to stop influencing and fuiling the power struggle in Laos and to leave Laos Nutral to deal with their own issue. And for no outside military force to be allow in Laos and to supply all party in laos. But both side the U.S.A and the NVA eventually broke the Geneva accord agreement. In 1964 the Communist came back in full force and officially set up the Ho Chin Minh trials to move weapons south to south Vietnam by force through Laos. The NVA did it with out the Royal Lao Emperial permission. They also brought more weapons to support the Pathet Lao Red Prince Army to over throw the Royal Lao Emperial Family.. This turn into a stalemat fight on both side. The Pathet Lao also took this opportunity to turn on the Nutralist Lao Party and their Amry. This force the Nutralist Lao Party to again turn side to the Royal Lao for help. Then again started receiving weapons from the U.S.A again. But as time went on the communist started to win and the situation was bad for the Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong. The U.S had no choice but to use heavy air bombing against the Communist that also lead to heavy casualties to civilians. The situation was bad Communist was winning in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. By 1973 the U.S officially left south east asia and Laos and cut off all weapon supply. The Royal Lao and their loyal Hmong would be left to fight on their own with no U.S support until they started running out of ammunition and lost in 1975. Many Royal Lao politicians and Military leaders fled to Thailand. The Hmong did the same to and many of their leader fled to Thailand. The Nutralist Lao Party also fled to Thailand. The Royal Lao King refuse to run and was kill by the Pathet Lao along with the queen and the crone prince. The remaining Royal Lao Emperial family fled to Thailand and later relocate to France. Today the Royal Lao Emperial Family still exist and live in France under the French protection. Even today they are not allow back into Laos or they will be kill immediately by the current Lao government LPDR. The Communist Pathet under the Red Prince Army mass kill any Laotian that had ties with the royal Lao Emperial family or the Royal Lao Party and they also kill any Laotian was close to the U.S.A and had western education. Mean while the Pathet Lao Show no mercy against the Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao Emperial Family. Mass genocide in hundreds of killing interment camps. Just like how the Nazi did to the jews. Some Hmong held up in the mountain and still fight to this very day. That is still a issue at United Nation talks. Pathet Lao also kill the Hmong highest General in the Pathet Lao Army name FaDang LoBliayo. Fadang LoBliayo was loyalty to the communist and was a Hmong in the Pathet Lao Party. He lead Hmong Communist troops and fought against the opposition Hmong that was loyal to the Royal Lao under Vang pao. After winning the war he himself turn against the Pathet Lao to try to stop the genocide of the Hmong that sided with the Royal Lao. At the end of the day yes General FaDang LoBliayo a Hmong fought on the pathet Lao side and General Vang Pao a Hmong fought on the Royal Lao side but their still Hmong alike. And FaDang LoBliayo was against the mass genocide of Hmong regardless of which side it was.. But for majority of the Hmong that sided with the Pathet Lao live mostly free after the war to this day. But recently even they have been rishing up to fight for equal right treatment as a Hmong being citizens to Laos like other Laotian citizens. This was long but that's what happen. This was a power struggle civil war a cold war

[@maryjane3770]

WTF.....

[@isabellaelliss5864]

My ansecstors lived through this

[@RobertJamesChinneryH]

What a beautiful clean people. What a shame.