On 18/8, specialized forces from the Vinh Long Provincial Military Command began excavating three locations on the sidewalk of Vinh Long City Park, along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Long Chau ward. The search areas measure 3-4 meters wide and 5-10 meters long.

Authorities excavate on the sidewalk of Vinh Long City Park, 18/8. *Photo: An Binh*

The excavation is scheduled to last five days. If martyrs' remains are discovered, authorities will collect biological samples and compile records as required. The remains will then be handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for management and identity verification. Once completed, the search area will be restored to its original state.

Over a month ago, the Vinh Long Provincial Military Command launched an appeal for the public to provide information regarding approximately 10 soldiers who died during the first phase of the Mau Than 1968 offensive in Vinh Long.

According to various sources, after their sacrifice, the soldiers' bodies were gathered by the Republic of Vietnam administration and buried near the old Dat Thanh Tay cemetery gate. This area is now part of Vinh Long City Park, located along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street.

To date, the unit has received dozens of tips concerning potential mass grave locations. Authorities consider this information important, using it to verify, conduct field surveys, and delineate search zones.

Previously, after two weeks of searching at a temporary cemetery in Nhuan Phu Tan commune, the Vinh Long Provincial Military Command's Provisional Search and Repatriation Team for Martyrs' Remains discovered and gathered 34 sets of martyrs' remains.

An Binh