Quang Ngai (VNA) - The remains of five Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos and Cambodia during wartime have been recovered by Team K53 of the Quang Ngai provincial Military Command after more than a month of search and recovery operations under the 2025-2026 dry-season mission.
Launched on November 10, the mission has so far led to the recovery of five sets of remains in the two neighbouring countries, largely based on information provided by local residents.
On December 14, K53 personnel excavated and recovered two sets of remains in Hatxan village, Xaysettha district, Attapeu province, Laos. Although the identities of the fallen soldiers have yet to be determined, the remains were found in relatively good condition, with sufficient biological material for DNA testing. Several personal effects, including military hammocks and ponchos, were also discovered at the site.
Earlier, on December 2, the team collected two additional sets of remains in Lanhao village, Xamakhixay district, also in Attapeu province. These remains remain unidentified but are suitable for DNA analysis, with items such as military ponchos and uniform buttons found alongside them.
The fifth set of remains was recovered on November 24 in the area of the O Zo post, Ta Veng Nor commune, Ta Veng district, Ratanakiri province, Cambodia. All five sets of remains are currently being carefully preserved and worshipped at the unit’s temporary base.
Colonel Vo Tan Tai, Political Commissar of the Quang Ngai provincial Military Command, said the search for and repatriation of fallen soldiers is a sacred duty that reflects Vietnam’s tradition of gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He urged officers and soldiers of Team K53 to continue promoting unity, overcoming difficulties and enhancing information collection to successfully complete their mission.
During the 2024–2025 dry season, despite challenging terrain and conditions, the team conducted extensive surveys in southern Laos and Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province, recovering and repatriating the remains of 26 fallen soldiers for reburial in their homeland./.
