(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./.
In Hoa Binh province, 11 traditional craft villages with more than 400 small-scaled production households have put in place a clean and green production model, establishing new standards for sustainable development. Waste collection sites and wastewater treatment facilities have been meticulously managed by local residents.
To make it easier for the residents to handle administrative procedures, Yen Bong Commune (Lac Thuy District) has identified the administrative reform as one of its key tasks. By implementing a range of synchronized solutions, the commune has seen the positive changes in the administrative reform, meeting the needs of its people.
Mai Chau district has firmly established itself as a standout destination on Vietnam’s tourism map, attracting both domestic and international visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich ethnic culture, and warm hospitality. However, beyond its natural and cultural charm, a secure and well-managed tourism environment has added to Mai Chau’s appeal.
As Vietnam enters a new phase of economic and administrative reform in 2025, Hoa Binh province is stepping up its efforts to streamline governance, boost economic growth, and attract investment.
The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee held its monthly meeting on March 26 to review the progress of key projects, assess budget revenue and public investment disbursement, provide feedback on draft documents for submission to the provincial Party Committee's Standing Board, and discuss other important matters related to the committee's governance activities.
Playing a key role in Hoa Binh province’s economic development, Luong Son district has been focusing on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.
