KC Ortiz’s Forced Rebellion photography0
Posted by - In Art
KC Ortiz (that is not him pictured at the left, by the way) is a photojournalist based in Chicago. He first began shooting the gang and graffiti lifestyle. He focuses on the world’s forgotten and overlooked people. He’s traveled to many areas of the world.
His latest gallery titled, “Forced Rebellion – Hmong CIA Veterans of the Secret War” is incredible. With a ton of bravery and a camera in hand, KC walked around with the Hmong people and captured shots that give you a small glimpse into the lives of the Hmong people that were left behind.
In the early 1960′s the CIA recruited and led the Hmong people of Laos to fight the communist forces during the Vietnam War in what is known as “The Secret War”. Known as some of the world’s best guerilla fighters, the Hmong loyally served as an efficient counter attack to communist forces on America’s behalf.
In 1975 the US withdrew from the region, leaving the Hmong behind in communist controlled territory to fend for themselves. Many attempted to flee to refuge in Thailand, thousands were killed by Lao and Vietnamese forces during that journey. Some returned to their villages where they suffered retaliations such as death and prison, and even others escaped to the remote mountains and jungle in fear of that same fate.
Today, some 5000 Hmong veterans of the CIA’s secret war and their descendants remain hiding in those same mountains. Life today is harder then ever before as they live a life forever on the move, under constant attack by the Lao and Vietnamese armies. They defend themselves with antiquated guns and those taken from dead enemy soldiers. Neither man, woman, nor child is spared in the government’s genocidal attack against them.
Hmong rebels at their hidden secret camp in the jungles of Laos.
A Hmong woman cries as she begs and prays for help from the outside world upon our arrival to their hidden camp in the jungles of Laos.
Hiding in the bushes and surrounded by the LPA soldiers yet unseen, Yeah, 18, keeps his gun on a LPA soldier through the bushes.
Fom Mua, 25, is one of the groups Christian followers. “I am one of the God’s children and ask for other Christian believers to find a way to save us.”
A Hmong child sits by the fire outside of his temporary shelter. Many of the children suffer from malnutrition as food consists of roots and trees with only an occasional protein.
To view the other images, go to the direct link. It’s so worth it.
