Vietnam advances martyr remains identification campaign

Vietnam is making significant progress in its ‘500-day campaign’ to search for, collect, and identify the remains of war martyrs. Across 34 provinces and cities, authorities have successfully completed the collection of biological samples from approximately 230,000 graves for DNA testing, meeting a major campaign goal months ahead of schedule.

In Khanh Hoa province, search teams are integrating advanced technology to navigate difficult mountainous terrain. Specifically, ground-penetrating radar—typically used in geology and construction—is being deployed at sites like Ru Ri Pass to locate potential remains. This technological approach aims to increase search efficiency and minimize the impact on local residents and businesses by providing precise data for excavation.

Major military regions, including Military Region 7 and Military Region 9, have coordinated the transport of samples via air and land to forensic agencies. While the national mandate sets deadlines for sample collection in 2026 and 2027, many regions have already surpassed these targets through scientific and decisive implementation.