Vietnam People's Army forces complete mission in Myanmar, return home safely

Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Public Security welcomed the rescue team returning from their mission in Myanmar. Photo: An Dang/VNA

Welcoming the rescue force of the Vietnam People's Army at Noi Bai airport were Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defense; Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Binh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, and representatives of leaders of a number of agencies and units of the Ministry of National Defense.

On March 30, the Ministry of National Defense sent a working group of 80 soldiers, led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Relief, as Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People's Army forces to participate in overcoming the consequences of the earthquake in Myanmar. The working group brought necessary equipment, materials, medicine, 6 service dogs and many tons of goods.

The joy of returning soldiers completing their mission. Photo: An Dang/VNA

The soldiers participating in this mission were selected from many agencies and units, and are the core force of the Ministry of National Defense's international humanitarian and disaster relief teams from: the Engineering Corps, Military Hospitals, Border Guards, the Department of Rescue and Rescue and functional agencies of the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff, and the General Department of Politics. Many of them have participated in supporting the Government and people of Türkiye to overcome the 2023 earthquake disaster and participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Starting rescue operations immediately after arriving in the capital Naypyidaw early in the morning of March 31, during the international mission in Myanmar, the Vietnam People's Army Delegation achieved remarkable results, contributing to helping the friendly country reduce the pain and loss caused by the earthquake disaster.

Specifically, in Naypyidaw, the team deployed the task of searching for victims at 3 locations: Bala Tidi Apartment Complex, Ottara Thiri Hospital and Aye Chan Thar Hotel. At these 3 locations, the team used sniffer dogs and specialized search equipment to detect 32 locations where victims were trapped under the rubble, and directly organized searches at 20 locations, bringing out 21 victims' bodies.

Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense welcomed the rescue team returning from their mission at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: An Dang/VNA

In particular, the Delegation coordinated with the rescue forces of Myanmar and Türkiye to save the life of a 26-year-old man, which was highly appreciated by the local people and the rescue forces of the neighboring country. In addition, during the mission, the Delegation found many valuable assets and equipment, which were then handed over to Ottara Thiri Hospital and the people.

In addition, the delegation also organized medical examinations and provided free medicine to more than 200 local people, in the context of hospitals in Naypyidaw being devastated by the earthquake, lacking medicine and medical equipment. Members of the delegation raised 5,000 USD to support the families of the victims; presented 40 tons of dry food to Myanmar to support people in the areas affected by the earthquake and donated some tents.

The results of the rescue force of the Vietnam People's Army in supporting the people of Myanmar in overcoming the consequences of the earthquake demonstrated the noble international spirit, contributing to affirming the position, prestige, sense of responsibility and capacity of the Vietnam People's Army in international integration and defense diplomacy.

The sniffer dog team returns after more than a week of completing their mission in Myanmar. Photo: An Dang/VNA

In response to the efforts and results of the Vietnamese delegation, the Myanmar side as well as the local people expressed their emotions and sincere thanks. Major General Myat Thu, Director of the Fire, Rescue and Relief Department (Myanmar Ministry of Home Affairs) highly appreciated the spirit, responsibility and efforts of the Vietnamese delegation, saying that the members of the Vietnamese delegation did not fear danger, working from early morning to late at night in very difficult, complicated and dangerous locations to help the people of Myanmar and made a miracle when they coordinated to save the life of a victim.

With a sense of responsibility, efforts and achievements in supporting Myanmar to overcome the consequences of the earthquake, the delegation received a letter of commendation and encouragement from General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense. The delegation commander also requested the Ministry of National Defense to have appropriate forms of commendation for units and individuals who have excellently completed the task of participating in the earthquake rescue in Myanmar, thereby promptly encouraging and praising the delegation.

A team of sniffer dogs arrived at the scene to search for locations where earthquake victims were trapped. Photo: VNA

As planned, on the afternoon of April 9, in Hanoi, the Ministry of National Defense will hold a ceremony to commend the Vietnam People's Army delegation supporting Myanmar in overcoming the consequences of the earthquake.

Hien Hanh (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/luc-luong-quan-doi-nhan-dan-viet-nam-hoan-thanh-nhiem-vu-tai-myanmar-ve-nuoc-an-toan-20250408213133440.htm