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Laos 'coup plot' uncovered in US Laos 'coup plot' uncovered in US
(about 1 hour later)
US prosecutors have charged nine people with plotting a coup in Laos. US prosecutors have charged nine people with plotting a coup in Laos, in a conspiracy to murder thousands.
"We're looking at conspiracy to murder thousands and thousands of people," Assistant US Attorney Bob Twiss told a court in Sacramento, California. The suspects were seized in dawn raids across California following a six-month covert investigation by US police.
Officials say the detained ringleaders include Gen Vang Pao, a prominent member of the ethnic Hmong group who emigrated to the US in the 1970s.Officials say the detained ringleaders include Gen Vang Pao, a prominent member of the ethnic Hmong group who emigrated to the US in the 1970s.
As a Laotian general, he led CIA-backed forces that fought communist guerrillas before they seized power in 1975.As a Laotian general, he led CIA-backed forces that fought communist guerrillas before they seized power in 1975.
The accused allegedly conspired to buy hundreds of machine guns, rockets and explosives from US federal agents who were working undercover as arms dealers.
Prosecutors say the coup leaders planned to blow up governmental buildings and kill "thousands of people".
The defendants could face life in prison if found guilty.
A 10th person was arrested but has not been charged.