Roger Arnold

Show Navigation
  • Video
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Writing

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 94 images found }

Loading ()...

  • A plaque dedicated to Laos combat veterans from the CIA secret war, Arlington Cemetary, Virginia, USA,  August 17, 2006.  Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 Hmong were killed serving in the CIA secret army, some estimates put the figure much higher.  Approximately 200,000 Hmong Americans live now in the USA, many are refugees from the war.....  ..
    124Copy.jpg
  • Village leader, Blia Shoua Her (center), holding an old American M-79 grenade launcher and surrounded by former Hmong fighters from the CIA's Secret Army, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  Most of the men are from surrounding CIA Lima Sites 363, 319, 90 and 74.  The CIA established remoted jungle landing strips in Laos called Lima Sites to provide aerial supply to their Secret Army.  Ironically the Lao communist government now uses Lima Site 363 to supply its troops and to attack Blia Shoua Her and his men from the Secret Army...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**.The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 4.1Copy.jpg
  • 80 year old, Blia Yang Fang, holds his battered American made AR-15 he used as part of the CIA Secret Army, near Vang Vieng Laos, July 3, 2006..  He fought for the French when they held Laos as a colony and later fought for the CIA working in demolition teams to sabotage the North Vietnamese Army invading Laos...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 5.jpg
  • Sia Thorthongyer, age 20, visits her supervisor, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's Team Leader, Peng Souvanthon, age 26, with her 2 day old son and 6 year old daughter at home.  Even at 8 months pregnant she worked in remote Nong Het field locations clearing bombs up until the day she gave birth. ..She says, "I'm happy to have helped my village and made it more safe for farming."  And when asked about competing with the MAG men's demining teams she says "Yes, if the men clear 2,000 sq m of land per day, then we women want to do even more."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270,000 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.  ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages. ..***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_03.jpg
  • Children search for live bombs and bomb scrap on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  Many UXO accidents in Laos are now caused by scrap metal hunters intentionally contacting and trying to open live bombs to sell...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_45.jpg
  • Sompong, age 15 (center right), shows the wounds to his arm and leg when he and his brother tried to open a Russian 37mm anti-aircraft shell.  His cousin Soy Kiengphaserth, age 21 (center left), works in the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) female team.  She and the team found him on their way home from work and rushed him to the hospital while he was treated by a MAG Medic on the way.  Sompong's mother, Mone (far right), said, "If not for MAG they might not have survived."..Many accidents occur in Laos when people try to open live weapons to sell the explosives and scrap metal. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_42.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, reacts to a controlled demolition she ignited.  She admitted, "Just after the large explosion I am very happy because if there is a misfire then I have to go and inspect what is wrong.  At that time it is very dangerous.  But so far I never have a misfire."..She detonated 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  It took the team 7 days to clear 14,352 sq meters...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_31.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group female Technician, Douangmala Suansython, age 21, warns villagers to clear the area before the ladies team set of a controled demolition of 76 cluster bombs.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_29.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, female Technician, Bouakham Keophomma, age 19, marks an area for bomb clearance with rope...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  .The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world...The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_11.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technician, Vonekham Dalavong, age 29, uses a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  She and her partner, Sia, said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.. .The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_06.jpg
  • Khankheo Soukvilay, age 21, Technician, "I applied for this job because my sister [Vilaphan] is the team leader and I heard how much she liked working here. Sometimes I worry that she is watching to see if I am working hard enough! But when we are working we become team mates, so it is the same as working with the other women here."...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos MAG Portraits_20.jpg
  • Phet Senthavisouk, from Mines Advisory Group, stands next to a Russian Surface To Air Missle (SAM) that killed several villagers who found it in the forest.  The majority of deaths caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO) in Laos now are due to people intentionally contacting the weapons to sell for scrap metal.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_32.jpg
  • A pile of 20, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed.  The women disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_23.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technicians, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19 (left) and Vonekham Dalavong, age 29 (right), take their dangerous jobs seriously, but find humor is sometimes the best way to avoid stress.  They joke about the perils of 12 women trying to share one bathroom in the morning.  Sia said, "Sometimes we are all standing crossed legged in the que pounding on the door yelling emergency with threats for who ever is in the bathroom.  Sometimes we just run to a bush."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_21.jpg
  • Part of the ladies team enjoy a lunch of sticky rice, soup, and fresh vegetables, with friends from the regional office. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_19.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technicians, Souksavanh Thongtimahaxay, age 23, and , Vienglada Siladeth, age 46, unpack their metal detectors and prepare to search for unexploded ordinance (UXO)...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  .The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.. .The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_09.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's team unload and prepare for work in Nong Het, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_07.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's team in Nong Het, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_05.jpg
  • A pile of 20, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed.  The women disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_22.jpg
  • Members of one of the female demining teams take a break from the sun in Khammuan Province, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_50.jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_48.jpg
  • Members of one of the female demining teams in Khammuan Province, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_49.jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_47.jpg
  • In a village on the Ho Chi Minh Trail a young child looks out the window of his home constructed entirely from American cluster bomb casings.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_44.jpg
  • Children eye bomb scrap in the back of a scrap buyers truck.  Many of the bombs are live cluster bombs disassembled at huge risk.  Many UXO accidents in Laos are now caused by scrap metal hunters intentionally contacting and trying to open live bombs to sell...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_43.jpg
  • Sompong, age 15, shows the wounds to his arm and leg when he and his brother tried to open a Russian 37mm anti-aircraft shell.  His cousin Soy Kiengphaserth, age 21, works in the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) female team.  She and the team found him on their way home from work and rushed him to the hospital while he was treated by a MAG Medic on the way.  Sompong's mother, Mone, said, "If not for MAG they might not have survived."..Many accidents occur in Laos when people try to open live weapons to sell the explosives and scrap metal. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_41.jpg
  • Men from the Mines Advisory Group wash in the river same as the ladies team.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_36.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, prepares the last steps connecting the firing device to the black firing wire.  She admitted, "Just after the large explosion I am very happy because if there is a misfire then I have to go and inspect what is wrong.  At that time it is very dangerous.  But so far I never have a misfire."..She detonated 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  It took the team 7 days to clear 14,352 sq meters...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_30.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, prepares to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  ..Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_25.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technicians, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19 (left) and Vonekham Dalavong, age 29 (right), take their dangerous jobs seriously, but find humor is sometimes the best way to avoid stress.  They joke about the perils of 12 women trying to share one bathroom in the morning.  Sia said, "Sometimes we are all standing crossed legged in the que pounding on the door yelling emergency with threats for who ever is in the bathroom.  Sometimes we just run to a bush."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_20.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technician, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19, scales a farmers fence with a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  Sia and her partner Vonekham said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_13.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, ladies Technicians, prepare their metal detectors to search for unexploded ordinance (UXO)...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  .The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world...The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_10.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technician, Vonekham Dalavong, age 29, uses a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  She and her partner, Sia, said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world..   .The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_04.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's Team Leader, Peng Souvanthon, age 26, with her 2 day old son and 6 year old daughter at home.  Even at 8 months pregnant she worked in remote Nong Het field locations clearing bombs up until the day she gave birth. ..She says, "I'm happy to have helped my village and made it more safe for farming."  And when asked about competing with the MAG men's demining teams she says "Yes, if the men clear 2,000 sq m of land per day, then we women want to do even more."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270,000 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.  ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages. ..***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_02.jpg
  • A member of Mines Advisory Group female team, prepares papaya salad.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_39.jpg
  • Saiyasouk Buakeo, age 24, from the Mines Advisory Group female team shows a bamboo shoot she found as food in the forest.  Laos is a poor country with few jobs.  The women are well paid by Laos standards and are given a food allowance.  However, many of their family members often depend on their income so they find creative ways to save money locating food in the forest.  They are also paid in US Dollars which has declined significantly over the last year affecting their income...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_37.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_28.jpg
  • Somma Phalangsy, age 33 (left), Phet Senthavisouk (center), and Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20 (right), look at a pile of 20, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed.  Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20 (right) disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_24.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technician, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19, uses a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  Sia and her partner Vonekham said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_15.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technicians, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19 (left) and Vonekham Dalavong, age 29 (right), scale a farmers fence with a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  Sia and Vonekham said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world..   .The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_12.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's team unload and prepare for work in Nong Het, Laos.  On the roof helping them unload is their male driver, Sivone Dathvongsone, age 42, says "I am proud to be the only man in the womens team."  ....Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_08.jpg
  • A bucket of snails caught in the river by the Mines Advisory Group female demining team.  Laos is a poor country with few jobs.  The women are well paid by Laos standards and are given a food allowance.  However, many of their family members often depend on their income so they find creative ways to save money locating food in the forest.  They are also paid in US Dollars which have declined significantly over the last year affecting their income...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_38.jpg
  • Thipapon Phaonthai from the Mines Advisory Group female team hangs her clothes to dry.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_35.jpg
  • Khanthong Donsenvong from the Mines Advisory Group female team hangs her clothes to dry.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_34.jpg
  • Members from the Mines Advisory Group female team unload their gear at their field location.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_33.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technicians, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19 (left) and Vonekham Dalavong, age 29 (right), use a metal detector and shovel to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  Sia and Vonekham said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_16.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, Technician, Sia Thorthongyer, age 19, uses a metal detector to uncover live bombs hidden in the soil.  Sia and her partner Vonekham said, "The first time we found a bomb we were afraid.  But we have good training and team work.  We have found many bombs, now it is just normal.  But, if we see a snake - we drop everything and run!" ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_14.jpg
  • Khankheo Soukvilay, age 21, uses a shovel to uncover live weapons buried in the soil...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_46.jpg
  • A novice monk stands outside his temple next to the wing of an American aircraft that was shot down.  Writting on the wing states, "This plane was shot down by a Vietnamese soldier April 15, 1967...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_40.jpg
  • Somma Phalangsy, age 33, supervises as Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_27.jpg
  • Part of the ladies team enjoy a lunch of sticky rice, soup, and fresh vegetables, with friends from the regional office.   ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_18.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_26.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group ladies demining team walk past a huge bomb crater probably from a large US fragmentation bomb in Nong Het, Laos.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury..The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_17.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group (MAG) women's Team Leader, Peng Souvanthon, age 26, with her 2 day old son and 6 year old daughter at home.  Even at 8 months pregnant she worked in remote Nong Het field locations clearing bombs up until the day she gave birth. ..She says, "I'm happy to have helped my village and made it more safe for farming."  And when asked about competing with the MAG men's demining teams she says "Yes, if the men clear 2,000 sq m of land per day, then we women want to do even more."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270,000 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world.  ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages. ..***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_01.jpg
  • Peng Souvanthon, age 26, Team Leader, with her 2 day old son and 6 year old daughter at home.  Even at 8 months pregnant she worked in remote Nong Het field locations clearing bombs up until the day she gave birth..."I used to be a farmer. My background is useful because even if the weather conditions are difficult I can still do my job. At that time my husband and I had no cash income so it was hard to look after our baby. So when MAG was recruiting VAC (Village Assisted Clearance) team members, I applied. At first I cut vegetation, then I was trained to use a detector. The technical field manager saw I had progressed and encouraged me to apply to become a technician. I passed the test. Then after a while I was promoted to deputy team leader and now team leader. My family are very proud, and I am happy! I enjoy managing things - the team members, the equipment and the site. And I remember everything I have learned during the training. To ge a good team leader you must show your love for your team members. You must discuss everything with them, and carefully go through the workplan with them each day. And you must help anyone who has difficulties."...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.   ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos MAG Portraits_01.jpg
  • Hmong General Vang Pao, holding hands with Thai Army Chief Of Staff, Surakij Mayalab, overlooking the famous Hmong/CIA headquarters, Long Tieng, Laos, Circa 1972/1973.  To the left of Surakij Mayalab with shaved head is CIA case officer, Burr Smith, AKA "Mr. Clean".  ....Third from the right, with the receding hairline, is Thai General Witoon Yasowarat, commander of Thai forces in Laos.  ....The rest of the men in the photo are Thai, from the elite CIA trained unit call PARU, or Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit, and Royal  Thai Army, both of which served in Laos with Lao-Hmong forces.  Fourth from the left, for example is Thai Police Colonel Rashane Kijjavej, an advisor to Vang Pao for many years.....The PARU worked directly with Vang Pao from 1961 to 1975 defending the Royal Lao Government from communist forces, most of whom were North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Thai Army ran its wartime operations in Laos from Udorn Thani.  ....Thailand impletmented its Task Force Unity deploying approximately 24,000 Thai volunteers to Laos who fought along side the Hmong and other ethnic groups.  Approximately 2,200 Thai were killed defending the Kingdom of Laos from invading Lao and Vietnamese communists.  It is likely up to 50,000 Thai soldiers are veterans from the "secret war" in Laos.......
    Thai_Army_Laos.jpg
  • Tou Ger Thao, on crutches after being shot in the leg, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  His message to the world,  " I am a Hmong civilian.  I was attack by the communist troops on the 9th of October, 2005.  One of my companions by the name of Long and I were out to catch some fish at the in the forest.  We came under fire by the communist troop.  My companion, Long Thao, was killed while I was injured on my leg.  The communist troops came from the military encampment at Tin Oung.  Roughly 20 men attacked the two of us so my companion was killed.  My leg was broken and it has been nine months now that I am unable to walk.  ..I am pleading to the America, leader of the world, to come and save our lives.  We have been under constant attack by the communist military for 30 years now and we are perishing.  The majority of our population had been killed leaving a small number of us survivors.  Among the survivors, the majority of us have wounds and some are blind.  So I am asking you America, the world leader, to come save us and bring us medicines to treat us and food to feed us Hmong trapped in the jungle.  We have not committed any crime but being hunted down by the communist Lao.  We are near the edge of perished so I am asking you, America, to save our lives."  ...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .These pictures are from a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.
    Laos Hmong CIA Secret Army 16.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    856626.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    857900.jpg
  • Ms. Khoua Lee, only a teenager, shows her injuries, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  She told me her story of being ambushed by Laos Government soldiers on July 15, 2003.  She says they shot her in the face and hand before she was able to escape.  Tears trickled down her face over the scare that reached from her mouth almost to her ear...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos Hmong 129.jpg
  • Soldiers rest in their abandoned village, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 2, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 8.jpg
  • Nang Li Hua, boils a wild plant from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 6.jpg
  • Jo Vong Thaw, holds a rat he caught for food bare handed, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  The Hmong hiding in the jungle are near starvation in many cases, surviving on any wild plants or animals they can scavenge.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 2.jpg
  • Chea Thaw with bloated stomach common to most children hiding in the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 15.1Copy.jpg
  • Hmong soldiers camped in the remote jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 26, 2006. ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 10.jpg
  • Ms. Mee Moua Vang, with her baby, Li Cheng Vang, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**
    Laos JungleHmong 9.jpg
  • Ms. Mee Moua Vang, pleads for help, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**
    Laos JungleHmong 21.jpg
  • Sua Her, peels wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 16.jpg
  • Blia Shoua Her (center standing), and some of his group, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  He apologized to me that more of his 500 people could not be present for a village portrait as they were too busy and desperate out searching for food in the jungle.  ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 20.1Copy.jpg
  • Tong Fang, lays on the shallow grave of his wife mourning her loss, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 1, 2006.  When we reached the site of the massacre Tong Fang fell onto the grave wrapping himself in her clothing riddled with bullet holes.  Tong was totally inconsolable.  He was an armed escort to the women and children hunting for food on April 6th, and was wounded, but his young wife was cut down by bullets and died in his arms.  His message to the Lao Government is, "Our people are innocent civilians.  We had not commited any crimes.  Why did you kill our unarmed women and children?"..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**.The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN.  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..
    Laos JungleHmong 19.jpg
  • As we approached the site of the April 6th massacre one soldier, Song Yee Thao, screamed and began to cry, then many of the others joined in mourning, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  Group leader, Blia Shoua Her, in background...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 17.1Copy.jpg
  • Women and children wash wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 11.jpg
  • Tong Hua Her, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  Half of Tong's face is missing from a bullet wound leaving him blind in one eye with his nasal cavity exposed.  His father and group leader, Blia Shoua Her yelled, "Communist!  Communist do this!"  His father says on July 15, 2003, Tong and some family were ambushed by Communist Lao troops who were on patrol...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 7.jpg
  • Lia Pao Yang, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 27, 2006.  His message to the world,  "I am Lia Pao Yang.  I am twenty years of age this year.  I want to assure you that I have not shot at anybody nor had I committed any crime, or stolen anything, but the cruel communist Lao had targeted to kill me.  On the 23rd of September, 2001 the communist Lao set a landmine on my farm of cassava so I stepped on it and lost my leg.  Along with that, in 2002 when my family relocated to Black Mountain (Pha Lai), the communist troops fired mortar at my family killing my wife and son.  We are innocent civilians.  We have not done anything wrong to the communist but have been targeted by them.  Please come to rescue us."..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**.The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN.  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..
    Laos JungleHmong 13.jpg
  • Young Hmong girls return with bamboo shoots for food, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 14.jpg
  • A young boy stands guard in the jungle while his group rests, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 1.jpg
  • Left, Mee Moua Vang, with family infront of their make shift home, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .These pictures are from a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.   The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people in these pictures have been hiding in the remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are estimated to exist. Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they want peace, and are just civilians defending their families hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 3.jpg
  • Hua Li and Hmong soldiers cut through the jungle on their way to the site of the April 6th massacre, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 18.jpg
  • Song Tua Ya, carries his AK47 and young son while maintaining village security, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 12.jpg
  • A young boy stands guard in the jungle while his group rests, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 1,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN.......
    101Copy.jpg
  • Bomb casings decorate the entrance to a guest house in Phonsavan, Laos.  Many bombs from the secret war have been used for building products and creative products like air compressors.  Approximately 90 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos and 10 to 30 percent of them failed to arm properly and never exploded.  Countless cluster and big bombs are still in the ground waiting to detonate in Laos.  Approximately 13 thousand people in Laos have been killed or maimed as victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) since the war ceased.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_1.jpg
  • Mr. Boonmi with his bomb compressor made from a US 750 lb framentation bomb left over from the US and Vietnamese secret war in Phou Vieng, Laos.  He dismantled the live bomb which uses a Russian rocket propelled grenade for a carburetor.  The invading North Vietnamese Army destroyed the historic town in nearby Muang Sui.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_5.jpg
  • Two young boys in front of their home sit on bombs left over from the US and Vietnamese secret war in Phou Vieng, Laos.  The boy are sitting on a 2,000 lb. bomb.  The other bomb is a 750 lb. bomb.  The invading North Vietnamese Army destroyed the historic town in nearby Muang Sui.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_6.jpg
  • Le Figaro - Hmong former CIA Secret Army hiding in the jungles of Laos more than 30 years after the US pulled out of the "Secret War."
    Le Figaro 1.jpg
  • Le Figaro - Hmong former CIA Secret Army hiding in the jungles of Laos more than 30 years after the US pulled out of the "Secret War."
    Le Figaro 2.jpg
  • Marie Claire Reportage feature story - Female bomb clearance team in Laos working for Mines Advisory Group (MAG).  ....Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, approximately 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30 percent.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.....
    Female Bomb Team Marie Claire-1.jpg
  • The Beijing News - page featuring US weapons converted to other uses like planters, boats and satelite dishes.   The USA dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos during the "Secret War" in Laos, which was waged as part of America's involvement in Vietnam.  The large picture is of a boy with a hammer standing next to a bomb bell used to call meetings in his village in Xieng Khouang Province.  The bomb bell is made from a US 750 lb Mk-117 bomb.
    The Beijing News.jpg
  • Paris Match - Post conflict Laos showing the left over effects of the massive US bombing campaign during the "Secret War."
    Paris Match 2.jpg
  • Days Japan - Post conflict Laos showing the left over effects of the massive US bombing campaign during the "Secret War."
    Days Japan 2.jpg
  • Marie Claire Reportage feature story - Female bomb clearance team in Laos working for Mines Advisory Group (MAG).  ....Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, approximately 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30 percent.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.....
    Female Bomb Team Marie Claire-2.jpg
  • Paris Match - Post conflict Laos showing the left over effects of the massive US bombing campaign during the "Secret War."
    Paris Match 3.jpg
  • Days Japan - Post conflict Laos showing the left over effects of the massive US bombing campaign during the "Secret War."
    Days Japan 1.jpg
  • The Beijing News - page featuring US weapons converted to other uses like planters, boats and satelite dishes.   The USA dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos during the "Secret War" in Laos, which was waged as part of America's involvement in Vietnam.  The large picture is of a boy with a hammer standing next to a bomb bell used to call meetings in his village in Xieng Khouang Province.  The bomb bell is made from a US 750 lb Mk-117 bomb.
    The Beijing News.jpg
  • Marie Claire Reportage feature story - Female bomb clearance team in Laos working for Mines Advisory Group (MAG).  ....Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, approximately 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30 percent.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.....
    Female Bomb Team Marie Claire-3.jpg
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x