Unique "fortress" in the sand stretching over 32km

Nestled beneath lush green bamboo groves in Ban Thach ward (Da Nang city), the Ky Anh tunnel system is likened by locals to a "fortress" in the sand, stretching 32km and dug beneath houses, ponds, and village communal houses. It is one of the three largest tunnel systems in Vietnam during the war against the US.

Ky Anh Tunnels, an underground "fortress".

Ky Anh commune (now Ban Thach ward, Da Nang city) is located about 5km northeast of the center of Quang Nam province (formerly).

During the most intense period of the war against the US in Quang Nam (1964-1975), the fighting by the army and people of Ky Anh district (formerly) was extremely fierce.

The Party Committee and people of Ky Anh commune were determined to build a system of underground tunnels, creating a network of secret underground chambers to hold their ground and fight the enemy.

The ancient Thach Tan village communal house is the starting point of the Ky Anh tunnel.

In January 1965, officials and people of Ky Anh commune conducted a trial excavation of a 25-meter-long tunnel along the bamboo groves. In May 1965, the project was expanded to a larger scale and excavation continued until 1968, with some sections excavated until 1969.

The tunnels were dug secretly in a grid-like shape, winding and meandering with many nooks and crannies, and varying in length depending on the terrain of each village. The tunnels are 0.8–1 meter wide and about 1.2–1.5 meters high.

Unlike the Vinh Moc or Cu Chi tunnels, the Ky Anh tunnels were dug in sandy soil, requiring excavation through hard soil layers to prevent collapse, meaning they had to be over 2 meters thick. The most difficult sections were those crossing streams, lakes, and residential areas.

The command bunker is located deep underground, only about 50 meters from the Thach Tan village communal house.

Mr. Huynh Kim Ta (66 years old, residing in Thach Tan village, Ban Thach ward) said that the tunnel was located right in the heart of the village, so it was kept secret and protected by the people throughout the years of the resistance war.

The tunnels were dug only 7km from the headquarters of the puppet regime and about 2km from where the American troops were stationed, making it a strategically important area for the revolution.

The tunnel system originated from the over 300-year-old Thach Tan village communal house. Beneath the communal house were medical bunkers and food storage bunkers. From here, the tunnel branches led in different directions.

Thanks to the Ky Anh tunnels, the people of the commune were able to maintain the liberated zone, shelter and protect revolutionary forces, and use it as a springboard to expand attacks against the enemy.

Many exits are hidden under haystacks and bamboo groves, making them very difficult to detect.

"Because of its strategic location, this place was often heavily attacked by the enemy during the war, causing serious damage to houses and villages. At that time, the village only had 140 households with over 600 inhabitants, but there were 203 martyrs and 59 heroic Vietnamese mothers ," Mr. Ta recounted.

The Ky Anh tunnel system is a historical monument, a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism. It is one of many exemplary examples of the Party's creative people's war strategy.

Every inch of land, every row of trees, every alleyway of the tunnel system is steeped in the blood, sweat, effort, and heroic deeds of the people, cadres, and soldiers of Ky Anh commune.

In 1997, the Ky Anh tunnels were recognized as a National Historical Monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

The Ky Anh tunnel system was recognized as a national historical site in 1997.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Duong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ban Thach Ward, the Ky Anh tunnel is a special historical site in the ward. Schools and the Youth Union regularly organize ceremonies to admit new members to the Young Pioneers and Youth Union in this area.

The Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ban Thach Ward informed that Tam Ky City, both in the past and present, has invested in restoration to fully promote the value of the historical site.

From here, it has become a historical preservation site in the area, as well as a significant location for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions. Currently, the tunnel area has been included on the local tourism map to promote it to people both domestically and internationally.

The local authorities pay great attention to caring for people who have rendered meritorious service to the nation in the area surrounding the historical site.

“ To commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs, the Party Committee of the ward organized many visits to policy beneficiaries in the ward, including the villages and neighborhoods belonging to the Ky Anh tunnel complex. Also on this occasion, the locality organized a ceremony to offer incense and light candles in gratitude at the Ky Anh tunnel complex historical site,” Mr. Le Ngoc Duong added.

>>>Some images of the Ky Anh tunnels:

The tunnels, with a total length of 32km, lie deep beneath houses, village communal houses, and irrigation ditches.

The site regularly welcomes international tourist groups.

Hidden beneath the foundations of the village communal house were medical bunkers and food storage areas.

The entrance to the tunnel was camouflaged to resemble a house foundation.

The medical bunker beneath the foundation of Thach Tan village communal house.

The historical sites are still located within areas where people live.

The tunnels are 0.8–1 meter wide and about 1.2–1.5 meters high.

The tunnel entrances were interconnected between houses, serving as escape routes in case of enemy attacks.

Mr. Huynh Kim Ta introduces the Ky Anh tunnel complex to tourists.

The exhibition area displays images and artifacts of the Ky Anh tunnel system.

This is a local historical landmark.

Youth union members in the ward regularly organize activities to reconnect with historical sites in the Ky Anh tunnel area.

NGUYEN CUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/doc-dao-phao-dai-trong-cat-hon-32km-post805662.html