Cambodian Forces counter attack around Saang [Khum Srang] on the vital Viet Cong route to Vietnam (Visnews production number 1223-71)

The Cambodian town of Saang [Khum Srang] epitomises the current war in that country. The small collection of villages lies astride Route 21, used by the Viet Cong as a route to and from Vietnam. Saang lies 18 miles (30 km) southeast of Phnom Penh. Early on the morning of January 27 (Wednesday) an estimated 500 Viet Cong attacked. They were repulsed but fell back to control Route 21 for several miles on the Phnom Penh side. Later in the day the Cambodians counter attacked and after several hours fighting regained control of the road. But then the Viet Cong changed their tactics. They were being heavily pressed in many areas, including along Highway 4 and around Saang, so they fought a diversionary action by attacking the capital. Cambodian troops were rushed back from Saang to protect Phnom Penh and the Viet Cong moved in again on the 28th. The next day Government forces attacked and the bitterest fighting of the whole campaign followed. The Cambodians claimed 100 Viet Cong killed and only four of their men wounded. The area was once again in Cambodian hands, but with the past in mind, for how long.