(HBO) – In 1965, when its special warfare strategy failed disastrously, the US sent large numbers of troops to the south of Vietnam while extending the war to the north and conducting sabotage. In Hoa Binh, which was viewed as one of the important localities for providing support for the Lao battlefield, during only a short period of time, the US conducted 69 bombings to destroy local residential areas, economic premises and roads.
Bui Van Kenh, a resident in
Tha hamlet of Thu Phong commune, who directly commanded the fight as deputy
head of the commune’s militia force.
In
particular, it launched continual attacks on locations across the province from
early 1966. To cope with new plots and ruses of the US imperialists, the province
ordered its communes to make plans for dealing with the war of sabotage,
instruct locals how to take shelter from air raids, dig tunnels, build lookout
towers, and stay ready to shoot down low-altitude fighters.
One of the most successful battles of the militia
of Thu Phong commune was the downing of an F105 fighter of the US on July 20,
1966.
Recalling the battle, Bui Van Kenh, a resident
in Tha hamlet of Thu Phong commune, who directly commanded the fight as deputy
head of the commune’s militia force, said he was on guard at the commune’s
administrative committee at about 3pm on July 20, 1966 when two F105 fighters
flew in from the northwest. Above Cun Slope on Road 12B, they dived and fired
at an automobile of the Hoa Binh transport company that was parking on the top
of the slope. Kenh immediately called on militias to move to the trench behind
a warehouse of the Nam Son Cooperative to ready the combat formation.
Observing the enemy fighters’ direction, Kenh
ordered the first volley to be fired, but the bullets missed their targets. The
militia team shortly learned from this and waited for the two aircraft to lower
to focus their attack on the front one. Braving a rain of bullets from the
enemy fighters, the militias still calmly waited for the planes to come within
the suitable range.
When the leading fighter just entered the right
range, under Kenh’s command, the team focused firing on it. Being hit by
bullets, the fighter burst into flames and crashed onto Cun Slope, causing a
big explosion that shook the entire mountain and forest, Doan Duc Tinh, a
member of the then Nam Son Cooperative’s militia team, recounted.
Not only being heroes in combat, the populace of
Thu Phong also helped safeguard many central agencies that evacuated to the
commune while actively working to ensure livelihoods and support the "great
front” in the south.
In peacetime, they have worked hard to develop
economy and enrich the homeland. In 2019, the local per capita income
approximated 31 million VND (over 1,300 USD at the current exchange rate), and
the household poverty rate was brought down to 3.9 percent. The commune has met
all criteria for a new-style rural area while people’s cultural and spiritual
life has also been improved continually./.
Local people across Hoa Binh province enjoyed the festive spirit of the 2025 Lunar New Year (Tet) with joy, cultural traditions, and heartfelt family gatherings.
During this Lunar New Year (Tet), residents of Vay Nua commune, Da Bac district are joyfully celebrating the arrival of spring with various festive activities. Along the main road of the commune, a newly installed solar-powered streetlight system stands out, completed just before Tet. Funded by Agribank Hoa Binh with a total investment of approximately 80 million VND (over 3,100 USD), the project has already proven beneficial. Not only does it enhance the rural landscape, but it also improves road safety and security, adding to the New Year’s cheer for the people of Vay Nua.
Nestled in Tan Lac district, Van Son commune boasts a breathtaking landscape reminiscent of a serene, poetic painting. Winding roads gracefully embrace the hillsides, enhancing the commune’s natural charm. As spring spreads its vibrant colours, the lives of local people continue to improve day by day.
The trade union of Hoa Binh province’s industrial parks has presented meaningful gifts to workers with difficulties, ensuring that they will have a warm Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's report, in 2024, the appropriate authorities regularly propagated and disseminated forest protection management, forest development, and forest fire prevention and fighting.
The Lunar New Year, At Ty, 2025 is approaching. The gardeners in the peach growing area of Toan Son commune (Da Bac) are busy transporting, bringing spring to every home. Throughout the villages, peaches are grown everywhere, gradually becoming an effective economic model to help the people have a warm and full spring with their families.
