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A group of 11 suspects charged with plotting the overthrow of
Communist Laos apparently thought they could do it in 90 days for
about $28 million using ex-U.S. Army Rangers, former Green Berets
and other guns for hire.
The intimate details of the alleged plot are contained in
"Operation Popcorn," an 18-page blueprint filed in federal court.
Authorities allege Fresno Hmong community leader David "Dang" Vang
drafted it and told them he was promised $5,000 for its
preparation. Vang, who was arrested Thursday, is listed as author
in the document.
Experts said that while the plan seems to underscore how serious
the plotters were, some of the military details made them sound
like "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight."
The dramatic document, which could serve as a script for a
Sylvester Stallone "Rambo"-style movie, is labeled "Top Secret" and
offers the first truly intricate glimpse at the overthrow plan.
Vang, 48, became the 11th suspect charged in the alleged plot by
Hmong American leaders and a former Vietnam vet to overthrow the
communist government of Laos. The suspects have said they believe
the Lao military is persecuting several thousand Hmong trapped in
the jungles who are the remnants and offspring of the Hmong
resistance from the Vietnam War.
Operation Popcorn outlined exactly how Laos could be transformed
into an American-style democracy with free elections, freedom of
speech, a new constitution and judiciary, and a congress including
the Hmong and other ethnic minorities.
The mercenaries, armed with AK-47s, grenade launchers, machine
guns and anti-tank weapons, would oust the current regime --
assassinating those who resisted -- and take over all radio and TV
stations, airports, highways and transportation systems.
Government-controlled hospitals, businesses, bank accounts and
food, fuel and water supplies would be seized.
While several suspects allegedly discussed the plot with an
undercover agent posing as an arms dealer, the step-by-step game
plan is contained in a document titled "Operation Popcorn
(Political Opposition Party's Coup Operation to Rescue the
Nation)."
The government's lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S.
Attorney Bob Twiss, said the weapons itemized in Operation Popcorn
are basically "the exact same weapons listed in the exact same
order" presented at a Feb. 7 meeting to discuss weapons
purchases.
Court documents say the undercover agent met with about a dozen
supporters of the Hmong opposition, including suspects Harrison
Jack of Woodland -- a former Army Ranger in Vietnam -- and Vang
Pao. Pao led the CIA's secret jungle army of Hmong and Iu Mien
guerrilla fighters who battled the Lao and Vietnamese communists
from 1961 until the communist victory in 1975.
Twiss noted Operation Popcorn "talks about neutralizing senior
(Lao) leadership either by putting them under house arrest or
assassinating them -- either you get with the program or be
killed."
The blueprint offers a virtual primer on the complex
international politics that provoked the coup plot:
• It says that factions inside Laos include "pro-Vietnam,
pro-China and Pro-Western Free World. ... Lao troops have a
negative attitude toward Vietnamese troops (in Laos)" estimated at
16,000 strong.
• It notes internal conflicts between regional and ethnic
groups, the old guard and the new generation of student and
government leaders, government officials and the business
community.
• It says the opposition party in Laos -- the Lao People's
Movement for Democracy -- includes "more than 1,284 combat-ready
troops and more than 10,000 unarmed cadres, ready to fight to
overthrow the Lao government." And "75 to 80 percent (of Laos' 6.5
million people) ready to rise up ... waiting for support from the
exile Lao leaders and the international community."
• The coup leaders would appoint a new government,
including a president, congress and judiciary, and hold free
elections within two years.
Popcorn's budget for taking over the Laotian capital of
Vientiane includes $5,000 apiece for 50 "rangers" and $3,000 apiece
for 300 "Special Forces," plus $3,000 apiece for 200 "Coup
Leaders." Another 20 rangers and 100 Special Forces are budgeted
for the takeover of 10 provincial governments.
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