Between 1964 and 1973, the area of Laos referred to as the "Plain of Jars" was heavily bombed by US air forces operating against the Communist forces of North Vietnam and Pathet Lao. 262 million anti-personnel cluster bombs. It is estimated that 80 million of these have not exploded and are a deadly threat to the population.
The large amount of unexploded bombs in the area, especially cluster munitions, limits freedom of movement. Evidence of the bombing can be seen in the form of broken or displaced vessels and bomb craters. In the area there are also numerous caves where people hid to shelter from air attacks.
