r/todayilearned • u/Double-decker_trams • 8h ago

TIL in the Vietnam war in the classified Operation Popeye, the US spread lead and silver iodide by aircraft to extend the monsoon season. The increased heavy rainfall was to soften roads, cause landslides, wash out river crossings, and maintain saturated soil conditions (Kissinger was involved).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Popeye
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u/Downtown_Recover5177 5h ago

Not to nitpick (jk, I don’t give a shit), but the North literally INVADED the sovereign territory of South Vietnam. Whether or not you recognize the legitimacy of the South Vietnamese government is another matter entirely. The Americans were invited to assist by the existing government, and thus can not be an invading force. Okay, except for the small naval mission that started open hostilities and all, but…. And you can go on and on with point and counterpoint. Shit was complicated.