Forty years on, the long-term effect of the Tet Offensive – which began in late January 1968 and was a key phase of the Vietnam war – still reverberates throughout Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces. Read our special report on the dangers faced by the population and how MAG is combatting them.
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40th anniversary |
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Thousands of bombs |
The luck of the gods |
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Deadly trade |
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Clearing for the future |
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It’s been 40 years since the Tet Offensive – what many people believe
is the key turning point in the Vietnam war – and MAG is working to
remove the unexploded ordnance (UXO) that still remains on the surface
or buried underground, making areas either side of the former
demilitarised zone (DMZ) safe for villagers and residents.
The presence of leftover munitions, artillery shells, large bombs,
mortars, landmines, cluster munitions and other potentially lethal
explosive items still hinders development in rural communities,
threatening lives and livelihoods.
Combatting this, much of
MAG’s work involves mobile teams that systematically work through every
village in a commune, clearing all known items of UXO and suspect
areas.
By ensuring that this work is linked closely with the
development plans of provinces, districts and communities, MAG is able
to maximise the enduring humanitarian impact of its work.
Links:
» More on MAG's work in Vietnam
» Photo gallery: Responding to the Tet Offensive legacy
4 February 08
» MAG’s work in Vietnam is funded and supported by: Adopt-a-Minefield; Imperial Tobacco; Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State.
