Objective: The official objective of Operation Phoenix was to dismantle the Viet Cong’s political and support networks within South Vietnam. This was achieved by targeting VC cadres—individuals who were responsible for maintaining the organization and operations of the Viet Cong within local communities.

Methods:

• Intelligence Gathering: The operation relied heavily on gathering intelligence from local informants, defectors, and captured VC members. This information was used to identify individuals involved in the VC infrastructure.
• Interrogation and Torture: Captured individuals were often subjected to harsh interrogation techniques, including torture, to extract information about the VC network. These methods raised significant ethical concerns and led to widespread criticism.
• Capture and Assassination: Identified VC cadres were either captured or assassinated. The program’s emphasis on neutralizing targets led to numerous extrajudicial killings, some of which involved individuals who were not directly connected to the Viet Cong.
• Coordination with South Vietnamese Forces: The operation was carried out in close coordination with South Vietnamese forces, who played a central role in executing the program’s objectives on the ground.