Who were the Viet Cong?

The Viet Cong were primarily the military wing of the communist-led National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam. They played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, opposing the South Vietnamese government along with American forces. The Viet Cong were composed largely of South Vietnamese who were loyal to the communist cause and sought to reunite Vietnam under a communist government, following the ideological divide established during the Cold War.

This organization engaged in guerrilla warfare and conducted numerous attacks against U.S. and South Vietnamese troops. Their tactics, such as the use of tunnels and booby traps, exemplify the asymmetric warfare approach, which emphasized mobility and surprise rather than conventional battlefield engagements. Understanding their identity and role is pivotal in comprehending the complexities of the Vietnam War and the broader context of Cold War politics in Southeast Asia.