Vietnam provinces collect DNA to identify unknown war dead

Provincial authorities in Đắk Lắk organized a DNA‑sample collection drive from 23‑25 July for relatives of unidentified fallen soldiers. The aim is to obtain samples from at least 70 % of eligible family members, prioritising mothers, grandmothers and other close relatives, with police and security officials overseeing the process.

In Khánh Hòa, a parallel operation began on 24 July, targeting 3,219 relatives across 12 collection sites. Families, such as Võ Tùng Bá, hope the samples will confirm the identities of specific soldiers. The DNA is handled by the private firm Geneviet, labelled, stored securely and sent to Hanoi for genetic analysis.

Both programmes are presented by officials as politically and socially significant, offering hope to families awaiting proper recognition of their ancestors' sacrifice.