Laos was an Indochina-controlled territory for many decades. The United States entered the Vietnam War, in 1961. Shortly thereafter, a secret war was fought in Laos. The CIA conducted a covert operation against Pathet Lao, a communist group.
The CIA's mission in Laos was to fight the communist threat to the country, but it also recruited tens of thousands of Hmong fighters to carry out the campaign. It was a war of guerrilla, but with a humanitarian component. A special force was trained in southern Laos and was called the Special Guerrilla Unit. These units were used against North Vietnamese soldiers. These units were ultimately defeated and the United States ended its involvement in Laos.
This secret war in Laos was the first in the history of the CIA. Its cost was equivalent to $3Billion today. Also, the number of CIA contractors living in the country grew by 2000% in the past decade.
Thousands of pro American Laos were executed or forced to go to prison camps. Others were escorted to the jungle with their guards. Some families were destroyed permanently. Those who survived were allowed to continue their lives in caves or fields at night.
At times, CIA managed battle strategy, but most of the time it was left to the locals. Many villages were destroyed, killing thousands of civilians by CIA air strikes.
Tens of thousands of Lao patriots were killed during the "Secret War." The United States pulled out from South Vietnam and Laos lost financial support. The CIA could no longer operate as it did before.
Thus, the CIA decided that a clandestine Hmong army would be built. It was a way to circumvent the Geneva Accords' prohibition on direct military assistance. Many Laos believed the Communists wanted to take over the country, but they refused.
During wartime, the CIA created "Lima Sites," ports of entry in the country, to help Hmong troops move and get supplies. One of the most important Lima Sites was LS-36. Another important site is LS-20A.
After the war, the CIA decided that Laos should be evacuated. The United States gave up its financial and military support to Laos following the Paris Peace Treaty. Ultimately, the CIA's operation in Laos was a success. And the CIA had helped stop the spread of communism in Laos.
The Secret War in Laos turned out to be complicated and messy. While the CIA's efforts in fighting the communist threat were successful, it was a disaster for the United States' relations with the Lao government.
Although the US-led Secret War in Laos is over, its legacy still causes havoc. The country still has hundreds of UXOs littering its countryside. Khamvongsa has asked the US to address this problem. Khamvongsa has begun a new book on the war which focuses specifically on the main characters involved in the Laos conflict.
FAQ
What is the most secretive location in the entire world?
The answer may shock you. You might be uncomfortable with the truth of it, as it may challenge your perception of reality. However, there's a reason for this place to exist. It's not what we would expect.
The City of God was its name by the ancient Greeks. It was also known as the City of Destruction according to the Bible.
It's also known as Kashi (Kashmir) in India. It is also called Novgorod in Russia.
Here in America, however, it is called The Village That Disappeared.
One small community in western New York State with 1,200 residents vanished without a trace. No bodies, cars, houses, nothing was left behind except a road sign pointing to its former location.
This little community vanished and no trace remains to indicate where or when it disappeared. Some believe the earth swallowed them up. Others claim a meteorite strike destroyed it. Others believe that aliens took it.
The people of this once-thriving community, however, are positive that the town won't disappear forever. They had just relocated to another town.
Even a website exists to help track down the disappearances of the lost city Zugspitz.
So, where exactly did this town go? It's in Switzerland.
Zugspitze lies on the border between Austria and Germany. Just beyond the summit of the mountain is a huge lake called Lake Zugspitze.
It's always fascinated me how so many towns disappear, yet others remain. What is the difference between some towns that disappear and others that survive? I decided that I would investigate.
I wanted more information about the mysterious disappearing of towns. What causes a community to disappear? How does one place go extinct?
It turned out that there are many theories about disappearing towns. One theory says that a town disappears when all the buildings are demolished. Another theory holds that the town simply relocates to another location. Another theory suggests that the town has never existed.
Although theories may be a bit speculative, it is a fact that numerous towns have been destroyed by the elements. This video examines the history and current status of these places.
What is one of the most amazing facts about the human body
Two eyes, two ears and two nostrils are part of our bodies. We also have four limbs: a mouth, nose, penis, and four limbs. It's true, we have more 50 parts of our body, but there is one thing missing. The heart.
The heart is a pump which circulates blood throughout the body. Blood travels through the arteries and veins, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
The heart pumps about 5 liters blood per minute. This is equivalent to a person drinking 2-3 cups coffee daily.
The heart is constantly pumping blood, 24 hours a week, 365 day a year. While you sleep, your heart beats almost 100 times per minute.
Color of your skin is a good indicator of whether someone is healthy. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels visible on the skin's surface. These vessels carry blood away to the heart via the large blood vessels. The skin becomes blue-colored or purple when blood flow is restricted.
Red blood cells are not available to sickle cell patients. Patients with sickle cell disease have their blood become sticky and harden, leading to severe illness.
A bandage can be used to stop bleeding if you have cut your own skin. Blood must flow in order for the wound to heal properly. Doctors will insert a needle under the skin to access the vein near the injury. This allows the blood from the injured area to drain.
The doctor may also insert catheters (catheters), into the artery at the site of the blood clot. This keeps the patient occupied until the clot is broken down naturally.
What dark secrets do Hollywood have?
Hollywood is full of secret societies. Many secret societies are cult-like and follow rigid rules. Others are just clubs for people with common interests.
Some of the most powerful organizations in the industry are even more dangerous. These include the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), the organization that sets film ratings and RIAA(Recording Industry Association of America), the company that sets music licensing fees.
Numerous unions, guilds, and associations represent actors, writers, producers, editors, and other creative professionals. Most major movie studios and television networks are owned by large corporations which own these various organizations.
It is obvious that, no matter how secretive or obtuse a group appears, someone knows exactly what they do. They shouldn't be fearful, however.
Instead, embrace them. Because they help us make better choices.
These experts tell us which movies are most likely to succeed, which songs will be in demand, and what books will sell the best.
In short, they help us decide what we'll buy, watch, read, and listen to.
We can trust them and can disregard their advice if it is not in line with our preferences.
Because we have chosen to ignore their power, they are even more powerful. They are the ultimate arbiters and judges of taste.
You are free to ignore their messages if that bothers you.
So now let's look at some of the lesser-known but still very real Hollywood secret societies.
Observe why they are important.
How does the brain regulate the functions of the body?
The brain sends messages to other organs and muscles to ensure they work together. Everything that happens within your body is controlled by the brain. It tells your stomach to digest food and your lungs to breathe air; it tells your arms and legs to move.
Your brain is made up of billions upon billions of nerve cells that are connected together in groups called neuronal groups. Neurons communicate with each other by sending electrical signals called action potentials on axons. Each neuron has its own cell membrane around its nucleus. The membrane contains channels that allow ions like sodium and potassium to enter the cell and leave it. Ion movement creates the electric charge that causes the neuron to fire.
When a neuron is activated, neurotransmitters release chemicals into the space between it and the next neuron. Neurotransmitters are able to bind to receptors in the second neuron. This opens ion channels that allow ions to flow in and out. As a result, second neuron fires as well.
Neurotransmitter release occurs when the presynaptic neuron receives an impulse from another neuron. An impulse travels along a synapse that connects the two neurons. The transmitter binds with the receptors of the postsynaptic nerve, activating the firing of the postsynaptic neurons.
Communication within the nervous system is possible thanks to neurotransmitters. They are also responsible for coordinating activity between various parts of the brain.
Statistics
- You spend about 10% of your time awake blinking (romper.com)
- It might not sound like something that's truly plausible — and it is quite rare — but according to a 2015 study published in the Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals, it's possible to hurt yourself and even break a rib just by sneezing. (romper.com)
- The average human adult male heart rate is between 70 and 72 beats per minute, while the average for adult women is between 78 and 82 beats, which is significantly faster, according to 2014 published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. (romper.com)
- In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you make 15 to 30 gallons of tears each year, which is insane when you think about it. (romper.com)
- According to a 2018 study published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine, this is because blood pressure is regulated by our innate circadian rhythm and internal clock. (romper.com)
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How To
Hollywood scandals that shocked the world
It's shocking to see someone make a name for themselves. But there's also nothing worse than seeing them fall from grace.
It's fascinating to see how industries react to their mistakes. We have all heard of celebrities who overdosed on drugs and alcohol. Some even died young because of it.
But, the worst part? When those stars openly discuss their issues and are ignored by everyone. We were there last week.
Heath Ledger lost his long and successful career. He succumbed after taking too many prescription medications. After a brief struggle with death, he died.
His family and friends were unable to accept his death, and the media was quick to criticize him.
Heath was once regarded as one of the best actors today. His performance in Brokeback Mountain earned him two Academy Awards nominations.
Heath was not only an actor, but also directed and wrote films like A Knight's Tale and Monster's Ball.
Hollywood loved Heath but he grew too large for his boots. He became addicted to drugs and drank heavily. Eventually, he went to rehab and came out clean.
After he had gotten sober, he decided to make amends. He then made "Room 237," a documentary that chronicled The Shining's making. It was supposed that it would be released this year but it won't make its debut in theaters until next.
Heath tried many times to get back into Hollywood. Nothing worked. In fact, he was actually twice arrested for drug-related charges.
We don't believe Heath should have been allowed to go back into the entertainment industry. However, it would have been nice if he could have gotten some help before things spiraled out of control.
We hope Heath’s tale will be a wakeup call to anyone who may believe that they can still have all.