Peaceful Tịnh Biên border area

Officers and soldiers of the Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station patrol and protect the border line and border markers. Photo: THU OANH

Amidst the dry wind sweeping across the fields, border guards walked steadily along the border. In the distance, mountain ranges and palm trees stretched towards the sun. All of this created a peaceful yet resilient scene on the nation's frontier. As they walked, Lieutenant Nguyen Hoang Phong, the team leader of the Anti-Drug Team, introduced the area under his post's jurisdiction: Tinh Bien ward, opposite Phnum Den commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province (Kingdom of Cambodia). From here to the neighboring country is only a few dozen steps.

In the fields, Cambodian people were leisurely casting their nets to catch fish, many waving to the Vietnamese patrol forces. It was a beautiful image of solidarity and close ties between the people on both sides of the border. We stopped at checkpoint 21, where soldier Nguyen Van Linh was on guard duty. The scene was peaceful, with a small, simple checkpoint, a red flag with a yellow star fluttering brightly, and border marker 276 opposite. Soldier Linh said that every day he and his comrades patrol and control the border to prevent illegal entry and exit, smuggling, and other crimes that exploit the terrain. "Although the material conditions at the checkpoint are lacking, we always share the good times and the bad, so we overcome all hardships," Linh said.

The Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station is responsible for a 9.94km stretch of border, with 4 main border markers (274, 275, 276, 277), 8 auxiliary markers, and 5 boundary posts. This is a key area; the Tinh Bien International Border Gate is a gateway for trade between the Mekong Delta and Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. In this area, smuggling and the transportation of prohibited goods always pose complex challenges. Smugglers conceal gold and foreign currency on their person or in the empty compartments of vehicles; hide drugs in agricultural products and electronic components; take advantage of the cover of darkness and floods to smuggle goods across the border; and make false declarations to evade law enforcement. Each tactic requires officers and soldiers to remain vigilant, possess strong professional skills, and resolutely fight against them.

Major Bui Van Liet, Deputy Head of Operations at Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, stated: “The unit proactively implements a comprehensive range of operational measures, strengthens the application of modern technical equipment in border control and territorial management, and strictly handles all violations. Training and development of officers and soldiers are conducted regularly to ensure everyone is steadfast in all situations.”

Border guards are stepping up efforts to educate the public about border regulations, import and export procedures, and immigration; guiding people on how to exploit local advantages in production; and encouraging people to actively participate in protecting the border and boundary markers, and not to listen to malicious individuals. “When approaching people to disseminate information, we must leverage the influence of respected individuals to ensure that people understand and trust us, especially those households close to the border. Even a slight oversight can be exploited by malicious elements to distort the truth,” shared Major Bui Van Liet.

Furthermore, the unit has strengthened coordination with functional forces at border gates to ensure smooth entry and exit operations and maintain security and order. Information exchange with Cambodian border guards has been effectively maintained, contributing to better management of people on both sides and preventing illegal encroachment and livestock grazing.

Late in the afternoon, the border gate closes, and the border guards resume their duties. Night falls over the flooded fields, and the soldiers' footsteps echo steadily on the patrol route. The peace in Tinh Bien today is due to the silent contributions of the officers and soldiers who, day and night, uphold their oath to the Fatherland. Regardless of sun, wind, storms, or floods, the soldiers remain steadfast on the front lines, ensuring peace for the people.

THU OANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/binh-yen-noi-bien-gioi-tinh-bien-a469735.html