Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam is facing a temporary suspension of U.S.-funded unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal projects, with about 1,000 war-remediation workers affected, due to the U.S. administration's decision to halt all foreign assistance programs for 90 days.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the provincial Department of External Relations confirmed that all U.S.-funded projects and programs in the province have been temporarily suspended.

The suspension followed a directive issued by the Trump administration on Tuesday, instructing all foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving U.S. funding – including those supported by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) – to cease operations for 90 days.

“The province is facing major challenges due to the temporary suspension of crucial UXO clearance projects, which were funded by the DOS through various organizations such as the Mines Advisory Group, Norwegian People's Aid, and PeaceTrees Vietnam,” the press release stated.

In addition, USAID’s non-refundable official development assistance for the province will be affected.

Also on Tuesday, the DOS ordered the closure of all overseas USAID missions and initiated the recall of thousands of USAID staff to the U.S.

On Friday, USAID officially ceased operations globally, including in Quang Tri.

This move was part of the Trump administration’s plan to merge USAID – a humanitarian agency responsible for distributing billions of U.S. dollars in foreign aid – into the DOS, effectively stripping it of its independent status.

Currently, more than 1,000 workers engaged in war-remediation projects under the aforementioned international organizations have had to suspend their work for 90 days, the press release added.

These projects play a critical role in addressing war legacies by clearing UXO, thereby freeing land for economic development and ensuring community safety.

They also provide support for people with disabilities, including victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, helping them integrate into society, improve their livelihoods, and access rehabilitation services.

The suspension of these projects directly hinders Quang Tri’s efforts to address war legacies, implement its pilot ‘Safe Province’ initiative, and ensure a secure living environment for residents.

“In response to the situation, the Quang Tri Department of External Relations is actively maintaining close communication with international partners and organizations. It is working to advise the provincial government on sending an official request to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, urging the U.S. government and relevant agencies to reconsider and resume funding for these humanitarian projects and programs in the province,” the press release stated.

According to the Quang Tri Mine Action Center, the province has nearly 62,000 hectares of land contaminated with cluster munitions.

To date, approximately 38,000 hectares have been cleared, with 830,600 UXO items safely removed.

NGOs have been actively conducting UXO clearance efforts in nine out of 10 districts, towns, and cities across Quang Tri, excluding the Con Co island district.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!