Authorities in Quang Tri Province have recovered the remains of three Vietnamese soldiers while expanding a search operation at Cau Nhi Bridge in Nam Hai Lang Commune, the site of one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War in 1972.
According to the Quang Tri Province Military Command, the remains were discovered on July 21 at depths ranging from 20 to 50 centimetres, with each burial site located about four metres apart.
Authorities search for remains in the Cau Nhi bridge area, Quang Tri Province (Photo: Xuan Dien).
Personal belongings recovered alongside the remains included fragments of military ponchos, shoe soles, belts, buttons, medicine bottles, rifle slings, grenades, AK ammunition magazines, canteen pouches and pen caps.
Authorities said biological samples will be collected from the remains, where possible, for DNA analysis in an effort to identify the fallen soldiers. Search teams will continue expanding excavation work around Cau Nhi Bridge.
On May 26, 1972, a fierce battle took place at Cau Nhi Bridge, where the 88th Regiment, together with supporting units, attempted to destroy the bridge to halt the advance of US forces. However, their positions were detected, and they came under intense enemy fire.
A total of 110 soldiers took part in the battle, 93 of whom were killed. Authorities have so far identified the names and hometowns of 83 of those who lost their lives.
Based on information gathered from local residents and official records over many years, authorities have recovered and reburied the remains of 29 soldiers at military cemeteries. Officials believe that between 26 and 54 sets of remains may still be buried in the Cau Nhi Bridge area.