The CIA's Secret War in Laos

The CIA's Secret War in Laos occurred during the Vietnam War (1960-1975) and involved covert operations against communist forces. The U.S. aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, supporting the Royal Lao Government against the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese troops. The CIA trained and equipped Hmong fighters, leading to extensive bombing campaigns and ground operations. This conflict, largely hidden from the American public, left lasting impacts on Laos, including unexploded ordnance issues and human suffering, and demonstrated the lengths to which the U.S. would go to counter perceived threats during the Cold War.