The beginning of the Khmer Rouge Army...

In 1966, General Lon Nol became the premier of Cambodia and from there on, many peasants began to surfer severe economic dislocation. This was a good time for the KCP to convince peasants that the government cannot stay like this anymore, so supporting the KCP is a good choice. As the KCP’s revolution power became more visible, they used a lot less violence. With more and more support, the Revolutionary Army of Kampuchea (RAK) was created in either 1967 of 1968. The RAK started with only 2,000 troops, but in 1970, the amount doubled. Later, the RAK expanded to the People’s National Liberation Armed Forces of Kampuchea (PFLANK) with 10,000 to 15,000 troops. From 1972 to 1975, the PFLANK waged war with the Force Armée Nationale Khmer (FANK), the government’s army. There were some losses, but also some wins. In January 1, 1975, the PFLANK launched their final combat. They surrounded Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh was actually surrounded and defended by four divisions and three brigades of the best FANK troops left. So the PFLANK paid close attention. Finally, on April 14, 1975, the air base fell and on the 16th, the FANK abandoned their defense perimeter around the capital of the Khmer Republic. The next morning, Saloth Sar’s troops were the first ones to enter the city. Before noon, the FANK General Mey Sichan went on the Radio hoisting the white flag, but he was interrupted by one of the PFANK man saying “We come as victors, as masters, and not as negotiators!” (pp. 123).

Source: Etcheson, Craig. The Rise and Demise of Democratic Kampuchea. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1984.

\Home / Before / During / After

Interactivities / Experiences / Author's Page / Reference / Site Map