Ho Chi Minh City Continues Search for Unidentified Soldiers from Mau Than Offensive

Ho Chi Minh City is continuing its efforts to recover the remains of soldiers who died during the 1968 Mau Than Offensive, 58 years after the event. Excavations at Le Thi Rieng Park are using modern scientific techniques, old photographs, and witness testimonies to identify the fallen soldiers. Major General Nguyen Thanh Trung, Political Commissar of the Ho Chi Minh City Military Command, emphasized that the search and identification of martyrs' remains is a "meaningful task" that the Party, State, and military have long prioritized. Advances in science and technology, including ground-penetrating radar, resistivity methods, and DNA databases, are accelerating the process and ensuring accurate identification. Information from foreign sources is also being utilized. Major General Trung stated that clarifying the identities of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1968 offensive, particularly those from the Saigon biệt động (special forces), and shedding light on historical events are of great significance to the city. This endeavor, undertaken with the cooperation of the public and media, serves as a tribute to the fallen heroes. The excavation at Le Thi Rieng Park began following the receipt of three photographs from architect Nguyen Xuan Thang on July 27, 2025. Through identifying children in the photos and gathering testimonies via social media and the press, seven witnesses were found. However, challenges persist, including the advanced age of witnesses, significant changes in the park's landscape over 58 years, and difficulties in collecting DNA samples due to the decomposition of remains. Despite these obstacles, the authorities remain committed. Scientific methods were employed to identify burial sites within two days, and the recovery operation commenced on July 6, 2026. Major General Trung declared, "As long as there is one soldier yet to return, this journey will continue."