Taking biological samples to identify DNA of 76 martyrs' remains

Attending the event were representatives of Military Region 4, Nghe An Provincial Military Command; Department of Home Affairs and Nghi Loc District People's Committee.

In the 2024-2025 dry season, the Martyrs' Remains Collection Team of the Nghe An Provincial Military Command searched for and collected a total of 76 remains of Vietnamese martyrs and experts who died in Laos. Specifically, 66 remains were collected in Xieng Khouang province, 8 in Xay Som Bun province and 2 in Vientiane province.

All the martyrs' remains were found at a depth of more than 1 meter below ground, with remains and many accompanying relics such as: AK ammunition boxes, multi-purpose shovels, M04 masks, tanks, canvas shoe soles, Vietnamese Army shirt buttons...

Delegates offered incense to heroic martyrs before carrying out their duties. Photo: Trong Kien

After the Provincial Military Command handed over the remains of 76 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives for the noble international mission in Laos, the Department of Home Affairs coordinated with the Nghi Loc District Medical Center and the Collection Team, the Provincial Military Command organized the collection of biological samples to serve the DNA identification of the 76 martyrs' remains.

Taking biological samples to identify DNA from 76 martyrs' remains. Photo: Trong Kien

The martyrs found had been dead for more than half a century. In the harsh weather and climate conditions of your country, the remains and relics were greatly affected. Therefore, the collection of biological samples was carried out very carefully. Biological samples taken were usually teeth and bones of the remains, of which teeth were considered the best samples for genetic identification. In cases where there were no teeth, a part of the intact bone tissue would be taken for identification.

Signing the minutes of handover of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos. Photo: Trong Kien

All 76 remains collected this time have enough samples to ensure DNA testing. The storage and preservation of DNA samples of martyrs with missing information at the Martyr DNA Bank nationwide is extremely important in looking up and comparing DNA samples of martyrs' relatives to determine the martyrs' identities, helping relatives find their graves and bring them back to their homeland and family.

After completing the biological sampling work, the martyrs' remains will be buried at Nghi Loc District Cemetery tomorrow (May 20)./.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/lay-mau-sinh-pham-xac-dinh-adn-cua-76-hai-cot-liet-si-10297694.html