U.S. Increases UXO Clearance Efforts in Laos
CISR
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(State.gov) Since 1995, the U.S. has invested over $391 million in Laos through its Conventional Weapons Destruction program to address the legacy of the Indochina Wars. Efforts have focused on unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmine clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, and capacity development. In recent years, the U.S. tripled its UXO teams, growing from 70 in 2020 to 210 in 2024, expanding into two additional provinces.
Between FY 2021 and FY 2023, U.S. support cleared over 108 million square meters of land, destroyed 155,600 pieces of UXO, and educated over 270,000 Lao citizens on explosive hazards. The U.S. continues to support national UXO operators, provide medical aid to victims, and enhance Laos’ mine action information management system. Implementing partners include HALO Trust, MAG, NPA, Tetra Tech, and World Education.
