The tragic tale of war harmed a nation; learn about the cluster bombs in Laos during the Vietnam War.
Cluster bombs in Laos are a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of war. While every country has its unique story, the horrors experienced in Laos during the Vietnam War and beyond are especially heart-wrenching. Innocent lives were lost due to the deadly cluster bombs that were dropped; even today, the effects are still being felt.
Those who visit Vientiane City in Laos should stop at the COPE Visitor Centre. The centre not only provides artificial limbs and walking aids to those in need, but it also serves as a museum that offers an in-depth look at the tragedy that unfolded in Laos.
In particular, visitors should watch the documentary detailing how the cluster bombs destroyed entire villages and claimed many innocent lives. It is an important reminder of the devastating impact of war and the need for us to work towards peace in our world.
Are you heading to Vientiane City in Laos? Check out Booking.com for hotels.
The COPE Visitor Centre shows a tragic demonstration of the cluster bombs in Laos.
The Tragic War Story of the Devastating Clusters Bombs in Laos
The tragic war story of the devastating cluster bombs in Laos must be told. Referred to as the most bombed country per capita in history, Laos fell victim to these destructive weapons during the Vietnam War. The United States dropped the bombs between 1964 and 1973, and many failed to detonate on impact, creating an ongoing threat in the country for decades.
As a result, Laos is now plagued with vast areas of unexploded ordnance, causing countless deaths, injuries, and hindrances to the country’s progress and development. The sad truth is that this issue is still very much present in Laos today and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war.
What are the Cluster Bombs?
Cluster bombs are some of the deadliest weapons on the planet, with the ability to cause massive destruction with just one release. These bombs are made up of multiple smaller bombs, called bomblets, that are dropped from above and scattered over a large area. These bomblets can cause catastrophic damage upon detonation, taking out entire buildings and structures.
Although these weapons were initially designed for military purposes, they have also been found to have devastating effects on civilian populations. It’s essential to learn as much as possible about cluster bombs and their products to work towards a world where every person can live in peace and safety.
Cluster Bombs on Display at COPE.
How the Cluster Bombs in Laos Affected the Lives of the Local Villagers
The Vietnam War was a devastating period in world history. Apart from the horrors of war, this conflict’s legacy is still being felt in Laos. The US air force dropped millions of cluster bombs over the country, which continue to terrorise Laos’s people. Because they didn’t want to bring the bombs back to base in Thailand, the US dropped them on Laos.
Unfortunately, many bombs did not detonate and remain alive to this day, hidden beneath the earth’s surface. This had tragic consequences for the people of Laos, who continued to farm and play in these areas for years after the war. Injuries and fatalities were expected as the bombs exploded randomly, tearing apart gardening tools, limbs, and even innocent children at play.
To help those who have been affected by the bombs, the Lao government opened COPE Visitor Centre in 1997, a dedicated facility that provides prosthetic limbs, walking aids, and wheelchairs to those who have been injured.
Artificial limbs on display at Cope.
What has been done to make it right through the years
Despite the devastating impact of cluster bombs on Laos during the Vietnam War, the United States has taken financial responsibility for their clean-up. The detonation rate has improved with teams deployed to the region and resources invested in recovery efforts. Despite this progress, many cluster bombs remain alive and are buried in Laotian soil.
However, there is good news to report. In 2016, Barack Obama became the first American President to visit Laos during the Southeast Asia Summit. During his visit, he pledged $90 million towards clearing the unexploded bombs. This action is a step towards reconciliation and can potentially improve the lives of those living in impacted communities.
Discover more about the Laos Capital with a Vientiane City Tour through Klook.
For great facts about the Cluster Bombs, check out this detailed website, or even better, visit the COPE Museum in Vientiane and discover the tragic details. I know it left an ache in my heart, but it was great to learn about the history of a nation.
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Weapons of War were used in the dark days of the Vietnam War.
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This is so sad. Poor kids just having a play and ending up with a missing leg or worse. I am glad that they are working on clearing the unexploded bomb but it should never have happened in the first place. Must be a pretty sad place to visit.
It was horrific viewing on the video, but glad I learnt a little history.
This is so tragic and so interesting. I really wish we had made it here when we visited Vientiene. Sadly, we weren’t in the city long enough but I really wish we had done so. I think it’s great they make you watch the movie first to truly understand the impact of the bombs. That would have been a heavy day for you.
Not a lot of people know about this so thank you for sharing. Such a tragic and unfortunate time in history. For someone like me who’s a visual learner, the video would definitely prove useful.
What a devastating thing. I can’t believe that even today there are still live cluster bombs in Laos, and simply because the US couldn’t be bothered taking them back to the base in Thailand. The COPE museum sounds like a good place to get a better understanding of the history of the bombs in Laos (the display of the cluster bombs really puts it into perspective) and also help those who have been affected. Thank you for telling part of their story.
The impact of these wars never ceases to amaze me. We learned so much more about it all during a recent trip to Vietnam but I’ve learned more again from this great article. I am really interested in learning about and from war history so really enjoyed this article.
Thanks a lot Kerri.
A very interesting read. I am aware of what went on and those horrible cluster bombs. War takes an unthinkable toll on the innocent. It’s important that people do read about the atrocities of war and how it effects normal every day people. Nice to see the USA finally pulling their finger out and giving some much needed aid.
Too true Sara. Thank you.
Wow, I had no idea that there were still many unexploded bombs in Laos from the Vietnam War – such a tragic period of history, and really sad that the country got caught in the middle of a horrific war. Thankyou for shedding light on the situation, and on the great work the COPE visitor centre do in improving the lives of victims through artificial limbs. I hope we can work towards a world where there are no landmines or cluster bombs, and it’s safe for local villagers to work and live.
Thanks Megan. It was gut wrenching to view the video and you can only hope for a better future for everyone.
We didn’t know about the unexploded ordinance in Laos until we went there earlier this summer. It is tragic how the bombs dropped during war back in the 1960s and 1970s affected the country then, and that they continue to now. We didn’t get the chance to go to the COPE visitor center in Vientiane because it was closed, but we were able to visit similar centers in Phonsavan. The work these centers are doing to remove the unexploded bombs and educate people in villages is so important. Thank you very much for sharing about this.
A terrible story but glad that you covered it and informed others. I used to think that the casualties of Vietnam War were limited to Vietnam. But Laos also seems to have paid a price! The image of artificial limbs will leave a psychological scar on the visitors.
Wow, what a sad and tragic history lesson. I have never heard of these bomb clusters but from what you’ve written, they were very effective in their mission – albeit, an awful one. At least the US tried to do something after the war. I’m sure it wasn’t a huge help to those who lost loved one but I guess doing something is better than doing nothing.
Until I went to COPE I had no idea either. Very sad. Thanks for your comment Mia.