Quảng Ngãi ramps up DNA sampling of war dead before Dec 22 deadline

Lt Gen Nguyễn Văn Gấu, deputy head of Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence, visited Quảng Ngãi province and ordered an accelerated effort to collect DNA samples from fallen soldiers, aiming to complete the work before 22 December 2026. Provincial forces have carried out eight surveys across seven sites, moving over 1,079 work‑days, excavating more than 3,500 m³ of soil and rock, and recovering three sets of remains with bone material suitable for DNA testing, along with numerous artefacts.

To date the province has taken 927 DNA samples from the remains of 1,139 graves, achieving an 81.4 % success rate. Ongoing work has identified three promising zones—Đăk Cấm, Kon Tum, Trà Câu and Đăk Pek—with six potential mass‑grave locations. Teams are using ground‑penetrating radar and have requested additional equipment. The campaign also involves cooperation with Laos and Cambodia, which have contributed 16 volunteer remains for identification.