The government has handed over the remains of US service personnel who went missing in action during the Indochina war to the US government.
The remains of US military personnel were uncovered during a joint field operation by a Lao-American team searching for traces and remains of American soldiers who went missing in action during the war in Paek and Kham districts, Xieng Khuang province.
An official handover ceremony took place at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on Wednesday, attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bounleua Phandanouvong as well as the US Ambassador to Laos, Dr Peter M. Haymond.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest search operation uncovered the remains of American soldiers in Khangkhay village in Paek district and Ban village in Kham district.
For almost 40 years, in line with the Lao government’s humanitarian policy, Lao and American citizens have teamed up to carry out surveys and excavations to find the remains of American soldiers who disappeared during the war in Laos.
Throughout this period of cooperation, the teams have received support and assistance from local officials and people living in the area who have actively assisted with exploration and excavation.
This partnership has made collaboration in this work a success and is an important factor in fostering cooperation in various fields between Laos and America.
Through joint operations conducted between Laos and America, the remains of 288 US service personnel have been uncovered to date and handed over to the American government.
There are thought to be 573 missing service personnel in total, so searches will continue for the remaining 285 individuals. —Vientiane Times/ANN
