Laos remains haunted by the legacy of over 2 million tons of explosive ordnance dropped during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita. The ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses significant risks to local communities, particularly in Xiangkhouang Province, where many live in fear of encountering these deadly remnants.
Impact of Unexploded Ordnance in Laos
The bombing campaign targeted Laos as part of the larger conflict in Vietnam, even though Laos was not officially involved. The Pathet Lao movement's stronghold in the region made it a prime target for US forces. Among the most dangerous remnants are cluster bombs, which are designed to disperse numerous smaller explosive devices, known locally as bombies.
