Long Tieng

Long Tieng (LS-98/LS-20A), also known as Long Cheng, became a pivotal site during the Secret War in Laos (1964-1973). Established in 1962, Long Tieng evolved from a small, remote valley into a major strategic hub for the CIA and the Royal Lao Government (RLG). This remote valley was selected by the CIA as a base of operations for the Hmong forces who played a critical role in resisting the communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces.

The strategic importance of Long Tieng lay in its mountainous location, which provided natural defenses and made it an ideal location for military operations. The valley became a bustling center of activity, featuring an airstrip that was crucial for resupply missions. The airstrip was among the busiest in Laos during the war, with constant flights delivering supplies, evacuating the wounded, and supporting military operations (Celeski, 2024).

In addition to its military significance, Long Tieng served as a central point for refugee operations. Many Hmong civilians, fleeing the ongoing conflict, sought refuge in the valley. The village, under its various code names, became symbolic of the Hmong resistance, standing as one of the last strongholds against the advancing communist forces (Benson, 2021).

Despite its strategic importance and the fierce defense mounted by Hmong forces, Long Tieng came under increasing pressure from the Pathet Lao and NVA as the war progressed. The base's defense was bolstered by significant U.S. air support and the involvement of Thai "volunteer" forces, who were crucial in maintaining control over the region. However, by 1975, as the broader conflict in Indochina wound down, Long Tieng was evacuated in the face of overwhelming communist forces, marking the end of Hmong resistance in the region (Anthony & Sexton, 2024).

References

Benson, F. C. (2021). Turbulence in Sam Neua Province (Laos): 1953-1970.

Celeski, J. D. (2024). Special air warfare and the secret war in Laos: Air commandos 1964-1975.

Anthony, V. B., & Sexton, R. R. (2024). The war in Northern Laos 1954-1973.