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CNN
a day ago
- General
- CNN
Once home to the CIA, this tiny Southeast Asia runway was considered ‘the most secret place on Earth'
Deep in the sweltering jungles of central Laos, a 4,500-foot stretch of cracked concrete cuts through the trees — an airstrip without an airport, in a village where many have never been on a plane. But behind its crumbling control tower and bomb-cratered runway lies a hidden chapter of America's Cold War history — a site once known as 'the most secret place on Earth.' The village of Long Tieng sits in central Laos, about 80 miles northeast of the capital, Vientiane. Today, it's a sleepy settlement of a few thousand people who mostly rely on the land to carve out a living. There are a couple of restaurants, two guesthouses and a handful of multipurpose shops selling everything from rice to farming tools made from repurposed bombshell metal — a nod to the village's agricultural roots and wartime past. At the village center lies the airstrip. It no longer serves aircraft, instead now functioning as a kind of outdoor community center: children ride scooters, farmers herd cattle and elderly villagers take early morning strolls before the intense heat engulfs the valley. But 50 years ago, the scene was vastly different. From the 1960s to the early 1970s, Laos played a central role in the United States' fight to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Long Tieng was the secret headquarters of a US-backed Hmong anti-communist army fighting against the communist Pathet Lao forces, which were supported by the North Vietnamese Army. At its height, tens of thousands of inhabitants — Hmong soldiers, their families, refugees from other parts of Laos, Thai soldiers and a small contingent of American CIA operatives and secret US Air Force pilots, dubbed 'Ravens' — called this place home. It was the heart of the largest paramilitary operation ever conducted by the CIA. At one point in time, the tiny airstrip handled 900 daily take-offs and landings, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. Cargo planes would offload crucial supplies including ammunition and food, which would then be loaded onto smaller planes that flew to even smaller airstrips around the country. Despite the scale of the base, it was so secret even some of those participating in the war in other locations did not know of its existence, says Paul Carter, a Laos Secret War specialist who lives in Southeast Asia. 'The war in Laos was so compartmentalized … I knew guys who participated in that war, they did not even know Long Tieng existed until the late 1960s when they started letting the reporters in there,' he tells CNN. From this remote mountain village, the CIA-backed Hmong army, led by the charismatic General Vang Pao, fought not only the communist Pathet Lao forces but also conducted guerrilla operations — destroying North Vietnamese supply depots, blowing up critical supply routes and generally harassing communist forces — all with full support from the US. As part of this secret war, the US launched a brutal bombing campaign that paralleled its broader military operations in Vietnam. And because international agreements barred direct military involvement in Laos, the effort fell almost entirely on the CIA. American pilots flew thousands of missions from Long Tieng's airstrip, which was known by the codenames Lima Site 98 and Lima Site 20A. Fifty years after the fall of Long Tieng in 1975, I set out to explore the remnants of the US presence in the area. I was drawn here after reading the book, 'A Great Place to Have a War' by Joshua Kurlantzick. It pulled me into a world I'd never known — a hidden Cold War battleground on the sidelines of the Vietnam War. Watching old, grainy newsreels of reporters wandering around the base only deepened my fascination. Somewhere along the way, I realized I needed to see Long Tieng with my own eyes. Before long, I find myself in Vientiane with an old college friend who I've convinced to come along for an adventure and Mr. Pao — the only driver I could find with a car suitable for the journey. Pao says he used to work at the mines near Long Tieng and is familiar with the area, though he admits he's only visited the village once before. Several tour companies organize trips, but the number of tourists that visit Long Tieng still pales in comparison to Laos' major tourist destinations like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Chris Corbett, owner of Laos Adv Tours and Rentals, tells CNN that his company operates around 10 motorbike tours a year to the site, taking a total of around 40 people to the village. He said his guests mainly come from the United States, Australia and Europe. Today, the village remains largely cut off from the rest of the country. Though just 80 miles from Vientiane, the drive takes over eight hours. Beyond the capital's outskirts, roads quickly degrade — first into unsealed dirt tracks, then into rugged mining roads scarred by landslides and potholes. Visibility is often poor — dust kicked up by mining trucks combines with smoke from slash-and-burn agriculture. At times, we crawl forward, barely reaching 5 mph. Part of the road winds over a rugged mountain pass with no guardrails, just a sheer drop into the valley below. Sitting in the back of the car, I grip the seat in front of me as our driver edges closer to the cliffside, the tires skimming loose gravel. At one point, our driver glances back and warns us that if we get a flat tire out here, we'll likely be stuck for a long time — maybe hours. There's no phone signal. We nod silently and keep going. As we approach Long Tieng, the rough dirt road suddenly gives way to smooth pavement. Cresting the final mountain pass, we expect to glimpse the airstrip — but thick smoke shrouds the valley, limiting visibility to a few hundred meters. Descending into the village as the sun sets, there's little sign that 30,000 people once lived here. Family farms now occupy land once filled with barracks and command centers. Military convoys have long been replaced by scooters and cattle. We stay in a guesthouse next to the airstrip. It's barebones — a wooden bed and a single creaky fan that spins with little effect. There's no air conditioning, and the humid air hangs heavy and unmoving. It's hard to sleep — not just because of the heat, but because I can't stop thinking about what this place had once been. The next morning, we walk down the center of the airstrip as the sun rises over the valley. Once one of the busiest runways in the world, it now lies silent. Tall grass sprouts from potholes left by artillery strikes. The crumbling control tower is only half its original height, and the hangars at the far end sit abandoned — rusting reminders of a war long past. As I walk along its length, I notice the absence of signposts, statues or any form of commemoration. Despite the airstrip's historical importance, there's nothing to mark it. Among those who operated out of Long Tieng during the war were the Ravens, a secret group of active-duty Air Force pilots who volunteered to serve in Laos. Their primary role was to act as forward air controllers (FACs), flying low behind enemy lines to identify and mark targets for US Air Force bombers. 'They were just kind of taken off the books,' Carter says. 'They operated under a different cover.' The Ravens wore civilian clothing and were issued US Embassy ID cards. In some cases, Carter notes, pilots were also issued US Agency for International Development (USAID) identity cards. The Ravens often flew in pairs — an American pilot in front and a local Hmong 'backseater' who communicated with ground forces. But they weren't alone over the skies of Laos. Pilots from Air America, a secret CIA-owned airline, also operated in Long Tieng; they flew in crucial supplies to the base and conducted daring search and rescue missions to recover downed pilots deep behind enemy lines. 'I landed there pretty much every other day,' Neil Hansen, a pilot stationed in Laos during part of the war, tells CNN. Hansen worked for Air America between 1964 and 1973 and detailed his experience in the book, 'FLIGHT: An Air America Pilot's Story of Adventure, Descent and Redemption.' 'I was flying a C-123, bringing in munitions, supplies and fuel for 'the little birds,' which would then distribute it to other sites,' Hansen recalls. As part of his mission, he also transported 'CIA customers.' During one flight in 1972, Hansen was shot down over the Plateau de Bolevan in southern Laos. 'After getting my crew out and bailing out, I watched the C-123 fall out of the sky and explode,' he says, noting he was rescued by Air America helicopters shortly after. About 100 meters west of the airstrip stands a two-story house that once served as the headquarters of General Vang Pao, the leader of the CIA-backed Hmong army. From this remote compound, Pao worked closely with American operatives to coordinate a covert war, marshaling thousands of Hmong fighters while receiving US air support, weapons and humanitarian aid in return. Set behind a tall fence and overgrown garden, the house still feels separated from the rest of the village — distant, guarded. A sign on the front door, written in English, reads: 'No entry without permission.' It's the only English sign we've seen in the entire village, and it stops us in our tracks. With no one around, we circle the property, peering through dusty windows, unsure whether we can get inside. An older man in weathered military fatigues appears nearby. Without saying a word, he approaches, slowly dangling a key in front of our faces. He doesn't speak English, but types out a number on his phone. We nod and hand over the cash. A moment later, we're inside. The house is not what I expected. I'd imagined a preserved time capsule, cluttered with mementos or forgotten artifacts — but the rooms are eerily empty. No furniture, no decorations, no posters or portraits of the general. In the foyer, dozens of artillery shells are stacked neatly in one corner, with several mortar rounds resting nearby. It's surreal to see these instruments of war arranged with such quiet precision. Through a translation app, the man warns us not to touch anything — some might still be live. Upstairs, a single wooden desk and chair have been placed near a panoramic window facing the airstrip. I sit down, imagining General Vang Pao and CIA officers in this very spot, directing B-52 bombing runs on communist strongholds. The war — so vast, so devastating — had largely been coordinated from this small, simple room. It was almost impossible to reconcile the scale of the conflict with the modesty of this setting. We climb up to the roof. From there, the view stretches across the old airstrip and into the mountains that once shielded Long Tieng from attack. Today, the village is quiet. A few people walk slowly down the main road. Stray dogs nap in the sun. It's hard to believe that tens of thousands of people once lived here. Today, the impacts of the intense US bombing campaign on Laos are still being felt. Of the 270 million sub-munitions dropped on the country, an estimated 30% did not detonate, according to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG). These unexploded ordnances continue to kill, injure and hinder development across the country, according to MAG. Around the hills of Long Tieng, villagers still rarely venture off established roads and trails to avoid unexploded munitions. Full US-Laos relations were restored in 1992 and since 1995, the US has invested more than $390 million in a Conventional Weapons Destruction program aimed at addressing the legacy of the war. However, questions remain about future US funding of explosive ordinance clearance in Southeast Asia following the Trump administration's widespread suspension of foreign aid. 'I fell in love with Laos,' says Hansen. 'I look back on my time as exciting and a place where I could immerse myself in the culture. I was fulfilling a purpose where I knew I was accomplishing something that was needed.' Back in Long Tieng, children riding scooters zoom past my friend and me, their tires bumping over the broken concrete that once launched warplanes into the sky. I now understand why the community gravitates toward the airstrip whenever they can: it's one of the few open spaces cleared of unexploded ordnance. A rare place where children can play without fear of becoming another casualty of a war that ended 50 years ago. The legacy of a secret conflict — barely remembered back in the United States.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
'Appalling' twist in methanol deaths of Melbourne teenagers - as their parents speak out
The families of two teenage girls who died from methanol poisoning while on a holiday in Laos have slammed a development in their case as 'appalling'. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died after a night out in the party town of Vang Viang, a small village north of Laos' capital Vientiane in November last year. The pair were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel and accidentally consumed methanol after they drank free shots of vodka and whiskey that were handed out. The teens, both from Beumaris in Melbourne 's southeast, were among six foreign tourists to die due to the mass methanol poisoning event. Miss Jones and Miss Bowles were rushed to separate Thai hospitals after asking staff for help on November 13. Miss Jones died in Udon Thani hospital the next day, while Miss Bowles died in nearby Bangkok Hospital two days later. Four foreign tourists from Denmark, the UK and the US also died, while a further 14 tourists who had been drinking in the area developed methanol poisoning within days of each other. Now, nearly six months later, up to 13 people connected to the deaths may finally face charges, according to a report by 60 Minutes. The families were notified by email from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) just 10 days ago that charges had been laid. Local police reportedly recommended charges against 13 people from Nana's Hostel and the Tiger distillery. The proposed charges include violation of food and health security, unlawful business operations and elimination of evidence. Mrs Jones and Mrs Bowles criticised the recommended charges as weak 'Pretty appalling, I'd say pretty insulting,' Mrs Bowles told 60 Minutes. Mrs Jones added: 'I think we're pretty furious about it … Food and beverage. You know, that's like? What is that? We don't even know.' 'We know that there's no murder or manslaughter charges, which we feel there should be.' The mothers said they feel as though those allegedly involved would only get a 'slap on the wrist' in the form of a fine if they are found guilty. They also slammed the Laos government, claiming authorities 'don't care' and that the lives of their daughters meant 'nothing'. The government of Laos conveyed its 'deep condolences to the teenagers' family via the email sent to Mrs Jones and Mrs Bowles from DFAT. The email it explains the Ambassador was informed prosecutors were compiling a case to present to the court and that an 'outcome was expected soon'. However, DFAT was not provided with a timeframe of when the trial might occur. 'We do not have visibility as to whether the prosecutors will proceed with all the recommended charges,' the email read. Staff at Nana Backpackers vehemently denied they added anything to the shots of Tiger Vodka that had been given away for free as part of the hostel's happy hour deal between 8pm and 10pm. Nana Backpackers Hostel owner Duong Duc Toan, who was reportedly among 'a number of people' detained by police for questioning. Mr Toan said his bar was not responsible for the mass poisoning and insisted alcohol was bought from legitimate sellers and even drank from a bottle to 'prove it was safe'. Methanol is a colourless liquid that tastes similar to alcohol and is a byproduct of bootlegged liquor. Nana Backpackers Hostel owner Duong Duc Toan (pictured) has vehemently denied the shots given to the girls during the bar's happy hour were responsible for their deaths Consuming even a small amount can lead to blindness, multiple organ failure and death. Miss Jones and Miss Bowles' families have since campaigned for methanol poisoning awareness and have raised money for a charity in their daughters' names.
Associated Press
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
GSM launches Xanh SM platform, officially distributes VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 electric vehicles in Laos
VIENTIANE, LAOS - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 May 2025 – Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), the operator of Xanh SM – Southeast Asia's first all-electric ride-hailing service – has officially launched the Xanh SM Platform in Laos. In tandem, GSM announced the official distribution of two electric vehicle models, the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, in the country. Mr. Nguyễn Văn Duy, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos (third from the left), joined representatives of GSM and other distinguished guests in cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the first VinFast store in Laos. Laos is the second international market, following Vietnam, where GSM is deploying its comprehensive model that integrates electric vehicle distribution with eco-friendly ride-hailing services. This expansion marks a strategic milestone in GSM's 'Go Green Global' vision, underscoring its pioneering role in bringing Vietnam's sustainable transportation model to the regional stage. Following more than a year of successful operations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, and Champasak, Xanh SM has earned strong support from Laotian users. Millions have embraced the service, traveling over 8 million electric kilometers and collectively reducing carbon emissions equivalent to what 70,000 trees absorb in a year—highlighting the model's compatibility with and impact on the local market. Building on this foundation, GSM is now introducing the Xanh SM Platform – an open technology solution that empowers VinFast VF 5 owners in Laos to become ride-hailing partners and generate sustainable income. With a highly competitive revenue-sharing model offering drivers up to 87% of fare income—among the highest in the Laotian market—the Xanh SM Platform not only ensures attractive earnings but also provides access to a large customer base through the Xanh SM ecosystem. Partners will benefit from comprehensive training programs aligned with international standards for green transport services. Coinciding with the platform launch, GSM also opened its first VinFast showroom in Laos, located on Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Phakao Village, Xaythany District. The company officially introduced and commenced sales of the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, with GSM serving as the exclusive distributor for VinFast vehicles in Laos. The VinFast VF 5 is a compact urban SUV, ideal for service operations with its spacious interior, smart design, and optimized performance. It is listed at 450,297,000 Kip (approx. USD 20,690, VAT included). Customers placing deposits before May 31, 2025, will receive a direct discount of 9,794,000 Kip (USD 450) and enjoy 50% off charging fees for two years (until June 30, 2027). Alternatively, the charging benefit can be converted into a USD 1,000 cash discount on the vehicle price. This brings the total incentive package to 31,558,000 Kip (USD 1,450), lowering the effective cost to just 418,740,000 Kip (USD 19,240). The VinFast VF 3 is a four-seat mini electric car designed for everyday personal use—perfect for young drivers and first-time car owners. The VF 3 is priced at 269,656,000 Kip (USD 12,390, VAT included). Early customers depositing by May 31, 2025, will receive a discount of 5,440,000 Kip (USD 250) and 50% off charging costs for two years (until June 30, 2027). Customers may also convert this benefit into a USD 250 cash deduction from the purchase price, bringing the total incentive value to 10,880,000 Kip (USD 500), reducing the effective price to around USD 11,890. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, shared: 'The launch of the Xanh SM Platform in Laos is not merely a market expansion—it represents a strategic export of a comprehensive sustainable development model where technology, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity converge. We believe Vietnam is not only capable of producing green vehicles, but also of leading the global mobility transition. Xanh SM is living proof of that vision.' The simultaneous launch of the Xanh SM Platform and the official distribution of the VF 3 and VF 5 in Laos further strengthens the presence of Vietnamese innovation on the global green mobility map. It also reflects GSM's long-term commitment to supporting the Laotian people in building a modern, environmentally friendly, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Hashtag: #GSM #XanhSM The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
GSM launches Xanh SM platform, officially distributes VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 electric vehicles in Laos
VIENTIANE, LAOS - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 May 2025 – Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), the operator of Xanh SM – Southeast Asia's first all-electric ride-hailing service – has officially launched the Xanh SM Platform in Laos. In tandem, GSM announced the official distribution of two electric vehicle models, the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, in the country. Laos is the second international market, following Vietnam, where GSM is deploying its comprehensive model that integrates electric vehicle distribution with eco-friendly ride-hailing services. This expansion marks a strategic milestone in GSM's "Go Green Global" vision, underscoring its pioneering role in bringing Vietnam's sustainable transportation model to the regional stage. Following more than a year of successful operations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, and Champasak, Xanh SM has earned strong support from Laotian users. Millions have embraced the service, traveling over 8 million electric kilometers and collectively reducing carbon emissions equivalent to what 70,000 trees absorb in a year—highlighting the model's compatibility with and impact on the local market. Building on this foundation, GSM is now introducing the Xanh SM Platform – an open technology solution that empowers VinFast VF 5 owners in Laos to become ride-hailing partners and generate sustainable income. With a highly competitive revenue-sharing model offering drivers up to 87% of fare income—among the highest in the Laotian market—the Xanh SM Platform not only ensures attractive earnings but also provides access to a large customer base through the Xanh SM ecosystem. Partners will benefit from comprehensive training programs aligned with international standards for green transport services. Coinciding with the platform launch, GSM also opened its first VinFast showroom in Laos, located on Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Phakao Village, Xaythany District. The company officially introduced and commenced sales of the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, with GSM serving as the exclusive distributor for VinFast vehicles in Laos. The VinFast VF 5 is a compact urban SUV, ideal for service operations with its spacious interior, smart design, and optimized performance. It is listed at 450,297,000 Kip (approx. USD 20,690, VAT included). Customers placing deposits before May 31, 2025, will receive a direct discount of 9,794,000 Kip (USD 450) and enjoy 50% off charging fees for two years (until June 30, 2027). Alternatively, the charging benefit can be converted into a USD 1,000 cash discount on the vehicle price. This brings the total incentive package to 31,558,000 Kip (USD 1,450), lowering the effective cost to just 418,740,000 Kip (USD 19,240). The VinFast VF 3 is a four-seat mini electric car designed for everyday personal use—perfect for young drivers and first-time car owners. The VF 3 is priced at 269,656,000 Kip (USD 12,390, VAT included). Early customers depositing by May 31, 2025, will receive a discount of 5,440,000 Kip (USD 250) and 50% off charging costs for two years (until June 30, 2027). Customers may also convert this benefit into a USD 250 cash deduction from the purchase price, bringing the total incentive value to 10,880,000 Kip (USD 500), reducing the effective price to around USD 11,890. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, shared: "The launch of the Xanh SM Platform in Laos is not merely a market expansion—it represents a strategic export of a comprehensive sustainable development model where technology, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity converge. We believe Vietnam is not only capable of producing green vehicles, but also of leading the global mobility transition. Xanh SM is living proof of that vision." The simultaneous launch of the Xanh SM Platform and the official distribution of the VF 3 and VF 5 in Laos further strengthens the presence of Vietnamese innovation on the global green mobility map. It also reflects GSM's long-term commitment to supporting the Laotian people in building a modern, environmentally friendly, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Hashtag: #GSM #XanhSM The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. GSM
Malay Mail
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
GSM launches Xanh SM platform, officially distributes VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 electric vehicles in Laos
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Duy, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos (third from the left), joined representatives of GSM and other distinguished guests in cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the first VinFast store in Laos. VIENTIANE, LAOS - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 May 2025 –Laos is the second international market, following Vietnam, where GSM is deploying its comprehensive model that integrates electric vehicle distribution with eco-friendly ride-hailing services. This expansion marks a strategic milestone in GSM's "Go Green Global" vision, underscoring its pioneering role in bringing Vietnam's sustainable transportation model to the regional more than a year of successful operations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, and Champasak, Xanh SM has earned strong support from Laotian users. Millions have embraced the service, traveling over 8 million electric kilometers and collectively reducing carbon emissions equivalent to what 70,000 trees absorb in a year—highlighting the model's compatibility with and impact on the local on this foundation, GSM is now introducing the– an open technology solution that empowers VinFast VF 5 owners in Laos to become ride-hailing partners and generate sustainable a highly competitive revenue-sharing model offering drivers up toof fare income—among the highest in the Laotian market—the Xanh SM Platform not only ensures attractive earnings but also provides access to a large customer base through the Xanh SM ecosystem. Partners will benefit from comprehensive training programs aligned with international standards for green transport with the platform launch, GSM also opened its first VinFast showroom in Laos, located on Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Phakao Village, Xaythany District. The company officially introduced and commenced sales of the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5, with GSM serving as the exclusive distributor for VinFast vehicles in VinFast VF 5 is a compact urban SUV, ideal for service operations with its spacious interior, smart design, and optimized performance. It is listed at 450,297,000 Kip (approx. USD 20,690, VAT included). Customers placing deposits before May 31, 2025, will receive a direct discount of 9,794,000 Kip (USD 450) and enjoy 50% off charging fees for two years (until June 30, 2027). Alternatively, the charging benefit can be converted into a USD 1,000 cash discount on the vehicle price. This brings the total incentive package to 31,558,000 Kip (USD 1,450), lowering the effective cost to just 418,740,000 Kip (USD 19,240).The VinFast VF 3 is a four-seat mini electric car designed for everyday personal use—perfect for young drivers and first-time car owners. The VF 3 is priced at 269,656,000 Kip (USD 12,390, VAT included). Early customers depositing by May 31, 2025, will receive a discount of 5,440,000 Kip (USD 250) and 50% off charging costs for two years (until June 30, 2027). Customers may also convert this benefit into a USD 250 cash deduction from the purchase price, bringing the total incentive value to 10,880,000 Kip (USD 500), reducing the effective price to around USD 11,890., shared:The simultaneous launch of the Xanh SM Platform and the official distribution of the VF 3 and VF 5 in Laos further strengthens the presence of Vietnamese innovation on the global green mobility map. It also reflects GSM's long-term commitment to supporting the Laotian people in building a modern, environmentally friendly, and sustainable transportation #GSM #XanhSM The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
