UXO, unexploded ordinance. In 1962, the U.S. signed a Geneva agreement declaring Laos a neutral state. Then, over the next 12 years during the 'secret war', American airplanes dropped 2 million tons of bombs on Laos. More bombs were dropped on Laos than any other country, EVER. More bombs were dropped on Laos than on Germany and Japan, combined. It is believed that about 10 percent did not detonate.
The secret war was an attempt to halt the advance of the Pathet Lao and to disrupt troop and munitions movement on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Cluster bombs, large canisters that would split and release dozens of bomblets (bombies) were used as anti personnel weapons. They are still killing and maiming people today. The empty casings are used as water troughs and planters. Lao hunters like to disassemble the bombies to use the ball bearings and powder for their long barrel muskets. Children are fooled by the bright yellow bombies, thinking they are toys.
Several countries supply teams to clear areas and train Laotians to how to disarm found bombs. My country contributes ' a little bit' of money, but we don't see that it is our problem.
Two images here explain to tourists where it's safe to walk at the three Plain of Jars sites. The indoor photo is in the lobby of the guest house G, Z, and I stayed.
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