around the pass. By 1972 SAM-2 missiles covered approaches to the pass, forcing B-52s and gunships to keep their distance reducing the interdiction effort. In 1967, at the request of the United States Department of Defense, the JASON (advisory group) considered the possibility of detonating a tactical nuclear weapon at the Mụ Giạ Pass to halt PAVN transportation on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The JASON scientists advised against it since "US first-use of tactical nuclear weapons could lead China or the Soviet Union to provide similar weapons to the Viet Cong and North Vietnam" per . References External links Map of the Mu Gia Pass Map showing the route from Vinh to the Mu Gia Pass Vietnam War sites Mountain passes of Vietnam Mountain passes of Laos Landforms of Quảng Bình province Geography of Khammouane province