Part 1: No Justification for Violence Targeting Civilians

	Vietnam calls for Myanmar violence ending to ensure safety for civilians
	Vietnam Calls for Augmented Efforts to Protect Civilians in Conflicts

An attack with extremely serious consequences

In the early morning of June 11, 2023, a group of individuals armed with guns, grenades, Molotov cocktails, and knives launched coordinated attacks, vandalizing the headquarters of the People’s Committees of two communes - Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur (Cu Kuin District, former Dak Lak Province), including offices of the commune military command, militia forces, and local police.

The assailants opened fire, stabbed and assaulted people present at the scene, seized control of vehicles, blocked roads, attacked drivers, and set cars on fire. The incident unfolded in a short period of time, was organized in nature, and resulted in extremely serious consequences.

The scene of the terrorist group’s attack in Ea Tieu Commune, Cu Kuin District, former Dak Lak Province. (Photo: VNA)

The attack left nine people dead, including four commune police officers, two commune officials, and three civilians; two commune police officers were also injured. It created significant psychological impacts and disrupted social life in the locality.

From any perspective, the use of violence against people, especially civilians and those performing public duties, is unacceptable. No political, religious, or other justification can excuse acts that take lives and spread fear within the community.

A consistent response from the international community

Following the incident, many countries and international organizations voiced their opposition to violence.

On June 16, 2023, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed police and military forces in provinces bordering Vietnam to strengthen security controls and coordinate with Vietnamese authorities in tracking down suspects who might flee across the border for handover. He also warned organizations and individuals in Cambodia not to harbor or assist terrorists, and called on the United Nations refugee agency and international organizations to remain vigilant and refrain from supporting these suspects.

At a press briefing on July 24, 2023, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper made clear that the US does not accept what occurred in Dak Lak and opposes violence in all forms. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and “condemned in the strongest terms the use of violence to achieve objectives.” The Ambassador affirmed that the US stands ready to cooperate with the Vietnamese Government by all necessary means to clarify the incident and those behind it.

In late July 2024, Thai Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that Thailand would not interfere in legal proceedings involving Y Quynh Bdap, the leader of “Montagnards Stand for Justice” (MSFJ), an organization identified by Vietnamese authorities as responsible for carrying out the terrorist attack in Dak Lak on June 11, 2023.

According to the Bangkok Post, Bdap had lived in Thailand since 2018 and was arrested in mid-June 2024 for violating residency regulations. He was held at Bangkok Remand Prison pending the court’s decision on whether he would be extradited to Vietnam.

On September 30, 2024, the Criminal Court of Thailand ruled to extradite Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam. On November 26, 2025, the appellate court upheld the ruling. In its judgment, the court stated: “The Court finds insufficient evidence to conclude that this individual (Y Quynh Bdap) would face a risk of torture or enforced disappearance, and his appeal lacks reasonable grounds.”

These responses demonstrate that, despite differences in political systems or interests, countries share a common stance in refusing to tolerate organized acts of violence against people.

Y Quynh Bdap, the leader of the organization “Montagnards Stand for Justice,” was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the People’s Court of Dak Lak Province on charges of “terrorism.” (Photo: VTV)

Over the years, the international community has established legal frameworks to prevent organized violence. To date, the United Nations has adopted 16 multilateral counter-terrorism instruments, including the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (December 9, 1999) and Resolution 1373 (September 28, 2001) on counter-terrorism and the financing of terrorism. These instruments emphasize the obligations of states to prevent and suppress terrorist activities and the financing of terrorism; to prohibit any individuals or organizations within their territories from providing financial support, or from directing or carrying out terrorist acts. States are also obliged to ensure that anyone involved in financing, planning, preparing, perpetrating, or supporting terrorist acts is brought to justice…

In international practice, organized acts of violence targeting people, causing loss of life, and instilling widespread fear in society are often regarded as hallmark characteristics of terrorism.

From this perspective, the attack in Dak Lak shows signs of an organized act, with preparation in terms of means, methods of execution, and consequences far exceeding those of an ordinary public disturbance.

Clarifying relevant connections

According to publicly available information, the group responsible for the attack in Dak Lak was linked to the organization MSFJ, established in July 2019 in Thailand. Y Quynh Bdap is identified as the individual directly involved in connecting, recruiting, and directing those who carried out the attack. MSFJ has been determined to have connections with the organization “Boat People SOS” (BPSOS), led by Nguyen Dinh Thang.

Nguyen Dinh Thang, Executive Director of “Boat People SOS” (BPSOS). (Photo: Ministry of Public Security)

Nguyen Dinh Thang, born in 1958, originally from Nghe An and born in Ho Chi Minh City, holds US citizenship. He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and worked at the US Naval Research Laboratory as a quality control management engineer from 1988 to 2001. During this period, he volunteered with BPSOS in San Diego (US). The organization initially coordinated with international humanitarian vessels to assist Vietnamese people leaving the country irregularly by sea. After BPSOS in San Diego ceased operations in 1990, Nguyen Dinh Thang, together with several individuals, established a new organization in Virginia (United States), retaining the name BPSOS while gradually expanding its scope of activities in a different direction. From a community-support organization, BPSOS gradually shifted its focus to issues such as “human rights,” “religion,” and “ethnicity.” Under Nguyen Dinh Thang’s leadership, the organization developed into a multi-layered network comprising affiliated entities, projects, media channels, legal support networks, and international advocacy activities.

Throughout its formation and operations, MSFJ reportedly received support from BPSOS and Nguyen Dinh Thang for its organizational structure, funding, resources, and personnel. Some core members were financially supported to sustain their activities.

Following the attack in Dak Lak, BPSOS continued to maintain contact, provide financial assistance, and guide the activities of MSFJ members, including Y Quynh Bdap. While in Thailand, Y Quynh Bdap received support from BPSOS for accommodation and living expenses. After his arrest and legal proceedings in Thailand, BPSOS’s support shifted toward legal and advocacy efforts, including fundraising, hiring legal counsel, and seeking to influence proceedings to prevent his extradition to Vietnam. After the Thai court issued its extradition ruling, these advocacy efforts reportedly continued.

The sequence of developments before, during, and after the incident suggests linkages in organizational structure, resources, and operational methods. To fully understand the nature of the incident, these elements should be considered within a broader context, including how related networks operate and the external support and advocacy activities involved.

Vietnam reiterates commitment to combat terrorism together with joint efforts of international community In a virtual open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) held on January 12, Vietnam reaffirmed commitment to participate in global efforts against terrorism.

Vietnam Calls for Increased Counter-Terrorism Measures at UNSC Briefing A Vietnamese diplomat to the United Nations has called on the international community to strengthen cooperation and introduce effective solutions in order to combat terrorism ...