A Silent Menace: Addressing the UXO Crisis in Laos

Between 1964 and 1973, the U.S. Army dropped approximately 288 million bombs on Laos, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. This extensive bombing campaign has left a dangerous legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continues to pose significant risks today. In recent years, UXO-related accidents have still claimed lives and caused injuries; for instance, in the first ten months of 2024, there were 25 reported UXO incidents resulting in 48 victims, with 39 individuals injured and nine fatalities, over 60% of whom were children. Annually, around 300 people are injured or killed due to UXO accidents in Laos, underscoring the ongoing dangers associated with these remnants of war. In response to this critical situation, a group of women known as Team 21 is dedicated to clearing these dangerous munitions, working diligently to make the land safe for local communities—village by village and field by field. Their efforts highlight both the enduring impact of the U.S. bombing campaign and the resilience of the Laotian people in overcoming the challenges left in its wake. As they strive to reclaim their homeland and ensure a safer environment for future generations, Team 21 plays a vital role in enhancing UXO clearance operations and implementing educational programs to mitigate future accidents.