US moves to stifle Hmong-American undercover activity
Author(s):
Karniol, R.; Hodge, N.
Format:
Magazine article
Publisher:
2007.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Ten US nationals, including exiled Hmong leader Vang Pao and retired US Army officer Harrison Jack, have been arrested in California for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of Laos. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the arrests were the culmination of a six-month investigation dubbed Operation 'Tarnished Eagle'. The accused procured hundreds of AK-47 automatic rifles, Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AT-4 anti-tank missiles, light anti-tank weapon rockets, Claymore mines, 0-4 explosive and smoke grenades, which they intended to use in the violent overthrow of the government of Laos. The weapons were normally obtained through the Thai black market, with funding largely provided by Hmong expatriate communities. After decades of turning a blind eye, US authorities have acted to stop Hmong-Americans and their supporters from seeking to overthrow the Lao government.