 Still, the Allied forces uncovered and destroyed some of the tunnel complexes as well as large stockpiles of VC supplies.In the course of the operation, so-called tunnel rats were introduced to infiltrate the Viet Cong's tunnel systems.In an attempt at the permanent destruction of the Iron Triangle as a VC stronghold, Operation Cedar Falls also entailed the complete deportation of the region's civilian population to so-called New Life Villages, the destruction of their homes, and the defoliation of whole areas.