The CIA and the `secret war' in Laos: The battle for Skyline Ridge, 1971-1972.
Author(s):
Leary, William M.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Military History, Volume 59, Issue 3 (1995-07). pp. 505-517.
Language:
English
Abstract:
In the years 1971-72, ten thousand Laotian, Thai, and Hmong defenders successfully safeguarded Skyline Ridge in northern Laos against a major North Vietnamese assault. Part of the Central Intelligence Agency's lengthy efforts to direct a war against the Communists in Laos, this impressive victory caused some American officials to believe that a truly neutralist Laos might come about. In the end, however, the battle for Skyline Ridge only delayed the final Communist victory in the Laotian war.