The purpose of `` Steel Tiger '' was to impede Hindering the flow Motion of men and materiel on the enemy logistical routes collectively known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail ( the Truong Son Strategic Supply Route to the North Vietnamese ) .

This action was taken within Laos due to the location of North Vietnam 's expanding logistical corridor known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail ( the Truong Son Road to the North Vietnamese ) , which ran from southwestern North Vietnam , through southeastern Laos , and into South Vietnam .

The purpose of the operation was to interdict the flow Motion of People 's Army of Vietnam ( PAVN ) supplies Supply on the Ho Chi Minh Trail ( the Truong Son Strategic Supply Supply Route to the North Vietnamese ) from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam ( North Vietnam ) , through southeastern Laos , and into the northern provinces of the Republic of Vietnam ( South Vietnam ) .