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What Did the CIA Promise the Hmong?

Published in Hmong-CIA Alliance 2 mins read

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) promised the Hmong people, under the leadership of General Vang Pao, essential support including food, weapons, and military training for their troops. These crucial provisions were part of a clandestine effort during the Vietnam War era, often referred to as the "Secret War" in Laos.

The Context of the CIA-Hmong Alliance

During the Cold War, particularly as the Vietnam War intensified, the CIA sought to disrupt North Vietnamese supply routes and counter communist influence in Laos. The Hmong people, with their legacy as fierce fighters and a strong passion for independence from the Lao government, became key allies in this covert operation.

To secure their cooperation and mobilize a formidable fighting force, the CIA secretly contacted General Vang Pao, a highly respected Hmong military leader. His ability to rally the Hmong community was pivotal to the success of the mission.

Specific Commitments Made by the CIA

The promises made by the CIA were designed to empower the Hmong to conduct effective guerilla warfare against communist forces in Laos. These commitments included:

  • Food: Essential provisions to sustain Hmong communities and their fighters, many of whom operated in remote and challenging jungle environments.
  • Weapons: A steady supply of firearms and other military equipment to enable the Hmong troops to effectively engage in combat.
  • Training: Comprehensive military instruction to transform young Hmong recruits into a disciplined and capable guerilla army. This training enhanced their tactical skills and operational effectiveness.

The table below summarizes the key resources promised by the CIA:

Promised Resource Purpose and Impact
Food Sustained Hmong communities and frontline fighters
Weapons Equipped troops for combat operations
Training Enhanced military capabilities, formed a guerilla army

Formation of the Guerilla Army

Following these promises, young Hmong men were actively recruited and rigorously trained. They subsequently formed a potent guerilla army that played a significant, albeit largely unacknowledged, role in the conflict. This force fought alongside U.S. interests against communist expansion in Laos, driven by both the CIA's support and their inherent desire for self-determination.

The Hmong's involvement in this conflict is a critical, yet often overlooked, chapter of the Vietnam War. Their contributions came at a significant cost, leading to widespread displacement and hardship for the Hmong people after the war's conclusion. More information on this period can be found in historical accounts of the Secret War in Laos.