PAVN Troops Encircle Saigon

In the context of the Vietnam War, the encirclement of Saigon by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) marked a critical phase in the conflict. By the end of April, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) had largely collapsed, with the exception of forces in the Mekong Delta. The PAVN, numbering approximately 100,000 troops, surrounded Saigon, which was defended by around 30,000 ARVN soldiers. This strategic maneuver aimed to accelerate the fall of the city and create a sense of panic among both military personnel and civilians. The PAVN intensified their assault by shelling key locations, including Tan Son Nhut Airport, which led to its closure and left many civilians trapped without an escape route. The situation in Saigon became increasingly dire as refugees fled southward, seeking safety from the advancing PAVN forces. The encirclement not only highlighted the military imbalance but also underscored the psychological impact of the siege on the population and the ARVN troops, who faced overwhelming odds against a well-coordinated enemy force.