Operational Plan for Ho Chi Minh Campaign

The operational plan for the Ho Chi Minh Campaign was initiated by the Politburo, which aimed to capture Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, before the onset of the monsoon season. This strategic decision was influenced by the need to prevent the redeployment of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces that were tasked with defending the city. The North Vietnamese leadership recognized that a successful offensive would require swift action to capitalize on their recent military victories, which had significantly boosted the morale of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). As part of the campaign, PAVN forces advanced through key locations, including Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and Da Lat, demonstrating their operational capability and commitment to the campaign's objectives. The urgency of the plan was underscored by the desire to secure a decisive victory before the weather conditions could hinder military operations.