V. CONG ATTACK NEAR DA NANG

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30940, 22 December 1965, Page 13

V. CONG ATTACK NEAR DA NANG

(\ZPA. Reuter—Copyright > SAIGON, Dec. 21. Viet Cong guerrillas attacked four South Vietnamese and ILS. positions close to the southern outskirts of Da Nang early todav.

The incidents were all Itetween three and six miles from the city limits. This is the closest the Viet Cong have come to Da Nang for some weeks. Da Nang, garrisoned by 30.000 United States Marines, was placed off limits for

American servicemen yesterday because of a proclaimed "open season” on Americans io mark tl e fifth anniversary of the Viet Cong. A spokesman said the guerrillas launched two attacks within two hours on a South Vietnam “pacification” (propaganda and administration) team five miles from the city's outskirts, inflicting “moderate” casualties. Between these attacks a local outpost manned by local militia came under mortar fire, and a second position a half-mile south was also mortared.

A marine post three miles from Da Nang was probed by snipers. The Americans returned the fire. Action has also been reported from the northern border province of Quang Tri.

In a clash with an estimated two guerrilla companies, South Vietnamese troops killed 31 Viet Cong, and found a mass grave containing 24 more bodies.