In fact, it is often credited with turning the war in their favor. Although a military loss, the Tet Offensive was a stunning propaganda victory for the communists. The South Vietnamese and American losses totaled a fraction of that number. Historians estimate as many as 50,000 communist troops died in the effort to gain control of the southern part of the country. The Tet Offensive was a catastrophic military failure for the communists. The campaign initially targeted more than 100 cities and towns, including the strategic southern capital of Saigon, now named Ho Chi Minh City. Many South Vietnamese troops were on holiday when the attacks began, and the military was caught off guard. The Tet Offensive was a surprise series of attacks launched during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year festival. The Tet Offensive was one of the largest military operations of the Vietnam War, and became a key turning point in the conflict. On January 30, 1968, communist- affiliated troops from North Vietnam and the Viet Cong (a distinct political organization) launched what became known as the Tet Offensive against South Vietnam and its American allies.
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