Floating fuselage: Remains of an American B-52 bomber shot down into Huu Tiep Lake in Ngoc Ha Village, Ha Noi.

HA NOI (VNS)— Photos reflecting a campaign against the US B-52 blitz on Ha Noi in Christmas 1972 are being exhibited to celebrate 40 years since victory over the American air war on north Viet Nam.

Nearly 100 black-and-white photos bring an overview of the campaign including the context of the American War, the reasons why US forces attacked Ha Noi, how the Vietnamese people and soldiers prepared for the attacks, and the campaign itself.

The exhibition also reveals the lives of Hanoians during the war.

Through the photos, documents and a documentary, visitors can understand the events that led up to the victory.

Visitors may be "shocked" by the statistics of waves of US aircraft and the 15,000 tonnes of bombs released on Ha Noi in 12 days and nights of the festive season.

Le Thi Tan Trang, vice director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "The exhibition shows the bravery of the people and soldiers who remained undaunted in front of the cruel attack by the US military."

In October 1972, Viet Nam and the US agreed to end the war and restore peace in Viet Nam. However, the US broke the agreement and sent B-52 bombers to blitz Ha Noi and the northern port of Hai Phong.

The raids failed after 81 planes were shot down including 34 B-52s and five F-11s, with many US pilots killed or taken prisoner. After 12 days and nights, the soldiers and citizens witnessed a glorious air victory, similar to the Dien Bien Phu Campaign against the French in 1954. Images of shot-down planes at museums and in residential areas are also displayed at the exhibition beside colour pictures of peaceful Ha Noi today.

The exhibition will run until December 27 at Exhibition House, 45 Trang Tien Street, Ha Noi, from 8am to 5pm; closed at lunch time. — VNS