# Operation Freedom Deal (19 May 1970 – 15 August 1973)

URL: https://allhistories.com/cambodia/timeline/1970-operation-freedom-deal
Location: Eastern Cambodia
Themes: main-event

Operation Freedom Deal was conducted by the US Seventh Air Force in Cambodia from 19 May 1970 to 15 August 1973. It followed and expanded Operation Menu, covering most of the eastern half of the country and mainly supporting the Khmer Republic against the Khmer Rouge. US airstrikes paused on 28 January 1973 after the Cambodian government declared a unilateral ceasefire, and resumed on 9 February after the Khmer Rouge did not respond. About 250,000 tons of bombs were dropped during 1973, more than the roughly 180,000 tons dropped on Japan in the Second World War. Total ordnance since March 1969 reached about 539,129 tons. Casualty estimates vary widely: Ben Kiernan attributes 50,000 to 150,000 deaths to US bombing, and former diplomat Larry Clinton Thompson considers about 150,000 the best estimate. The campaign contributed to Congress passing the War Powers Resolution and ended with the last mission on 15 August 1973. At this point in the timeline (1970), Chief of State Norodom Sihanouk (1960 – 1970) was head of state of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Prime Minister Lon Nol (1969 – 1970) led the government.

## Why it matters
It was the main American effort in Cambodia, with disputed human and political costs.

Ruler at the Time: [Norodom Sihanouk (Chief of State)](https://allhistories.com/cambodia/rulers/norodom-sihanouk-chief-of-state)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Operation Freedom Deal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Freedom_Deal)
- [Wikipedia — Case–Church Amendment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case%E2%80%93Church_Amendment)
- [Wikipedia — Operation Menu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Menu)