As the American public engaged in the long-standing conflict of the Vietnam War, another battle was quietly unfolding right next door in Laos. The CIA had established a secret airbase at Long Tieng to serve as a staging ground for a joint effort between the U.S. Armed Forces and local forces of Hmong guerilla fighters. These brave individuals were trained in espionage and subterfuge, equipped with guerrilla-style tactics to disrupt enemy supply lines and use their superior knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
The story of this clandestine endeavor has recently been explored more fully in a PBS documentary entitled “Secret War In Laos” which brings together candid interviews from Hmong elders who witnessed this turbulent time as well as never before seen archival images, documents, maps, and other pieces of evidence that have been declassified since then by the CIA. This film offers an invaluable insight into what life was like during this dark period of history, not only for those directly involved but also for those living on the edges of these operations.
To gain a better understanding of this forgotten war and its impact on all sides involved, viewers should watch PBS’s “Secret War In Laos” documentary. Through this lens we can hear first hand accounts from those interviewed as well as explore relevant documents and other evidence that helps paint a fuller picture of what life was like during this time period. Comprehensive coverage is provided alongside discussion about how this era still affects us today, making it an essential viewing experience for anyone interested to know more about this hidden part of our shared past.
