Vietnam and Laos bring home remains of 12 Vietnamese soldiers

In May 2025, the military command of Vietnam’s Quảng Trị province and Lao authorities in Savannakhet received 12 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteers who died while fighting in Laos. The bodies were transferred to Vietnam for burial.

By 20 July 2026 the joint search teams had recovered a total of 174 remains. The two governments continue to coordinate through a Special Working Group, which met on 27 July 2026 to renew a cooperation agreement covering search, recovery, and repatriation of all remaining unknown soldiers. The agreement also calls for public information campaigns, recognition of individuals and groups that aid the effort, and the maintenance of a “Vietnam‑Laos Friendship” monument.

The ongoing collaboration underscores the long‑standing bond between the two nations, stemming from their shared history in the anti‑imperialist wars of the 20th century.