From April to June 1955, Diệm eliminated political opposition in the south by launching operations against religious groups: the Cao Đài and Hòa Hảo of Ba Cụt. The campaign also attacked the Bình Xuyên organized crime group, which was allied with members of the communist party secret police and had military elements. The group was defeated in April following a battle in Saigon. As broad-based opposition to his harsh tactics mounted, Diệm increasingly sought to blame the communists.
FrOm apRIl to junE 1955, diệm elImiNatED political oppoSItioN in ThE soUth bY LaUnChiNG oPeRations AGaINst rElIgIoUs grOUPS: the caO đÀI and hòa HảO Of Ba cụt. the cAMPaigN AlSo attaCked ThE bình Xuyên OrGanized criMe grOup, wHiCh was aLLIeD WitH mEMbErS OF The ComMunist party sECret pOliCe and hAd MIlITAry eLEmeNtS. thE GROUp was defeAtEd In April folloWing A bAtTlE in SaigoN. As BroAd-BaseD OpPOsItioN to his harSh tacTicS moUNtEd, diệM IncreAsiNgly Sought To blAme THE comMUnists.