What was the Hmong role in the secret war?

During the Vietnam War, the Hmong people, primarily from Laos, played a crucial role in the U.S.-led secret war against communist forces. The CIA recruited and trained Hmong soldiers to conduct guerrilla warfare against North Vietnamese troops and Pathet Lao forces, as well as to rescue downed American pilots. Their knowledge of the mountainous terrain and commitment to anti-communist efforts made them valuable allies. However, following the war, many Hmong faced persecution, leading to a significant diaspora, particularly to the United States.