This year’s deployment carries particular significance as it coincides with the peak period of the “500-day campaign to step up the search, collection, and identification of martyrs’ remains.”
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Encouraging troops before performing assigned tasks |
Unlike previous years, this year the K teams of Military Region 7 began their mission earlier in order to accelerate the search and collection process. As time becomes a major challenge, the earlier deployment means having more time to study the terrain, meet witnesses, verify information, and survey suspected burial sites.
During Phase 1 of the 26th dry season (2026-2027), the K teams proactively gathered around 180 pieces of information relating to more than 760 martyrs’ graves. Areas where previous searches had proved unsuccessful were reassessed, while older information was cross-checked against maps, records, and witness accounts. Newly obtained information was also carefully screened and classified.
Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Duong, Political Commissar of Team K70, said the unit had maintained regular contact with the Cooperation Teams of Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum provinces in Cambodia to gather information on martyrs’ burial sites. So far, the unit has received 30 pieces of information concerning approximately 110 graves. As most of the suspected sites are located in forests and farmland, the search needs to be carried out quickly.
Over many years of operations, close solidarity and coordination between the K teams and Cambodian authorities, armed forces, and local people have become an important source of support for the mission.
Despite their advanced age, many local residents still personally guide the teams to areas where they once witnessed Vietnamese soldiers fighting, dying, or being buried.
Colonel Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Political Commissar of Team K71, expressed confidence in the success of the latest search mission in Cambodia. That confidence comes from sustained efforts to coordinate with the Specialized Committees and Cooperation Teams of Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap provinces to collect information about martyrs’ remains.
Notably, one resident of Oddar Meanchey province accompanying the team for many years has provided highly valuable information that has led to the recovery of numerous sets of remains. To date, Team K71 has proactively collected 66 pieces of information relating to approximately 180 graves for this search phase.
To meet the requirements of the mission, the K teams have made careful preparations in personnel, vehicles, and equipment. Team members have also stepped up physical training and sharpened their skills in navigating forests, climbing mountains, and moving through areas potentially contaminated with unexploded ordnance.
At the same time, they have strengthened their understanding of local customs and traditions in the host country to improve the effectiveness of the search and collection of martyrs’ remains.
Translated by Minh Anh