CMAC deploys teams to support border communities
The task force assists in ensuring the safety of citizens returning to villages and towns affected by bombing and shelling during the Cambodian-Thai conflict. CMAC
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Synopsis: Heng Ratana highlights effort to protect communities from unexploded ordnance.
Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) Director-General Heng Ratana said that nearly 80 CMAC units have been deployed to address the urgent needs of villagers along the Cambodian–Thai border.
Ratana made the remarks yesterday during a meeting with technical capacity-building trainees and while inspecting the progress of nine building constructions and the installation of technical equipment in Kampong Chhnang province.
“I would like to emphasise that CMAC units are conducting operations to ensure the safety of citizens returning to their villages and homes, deploying forces across areas affected by the Thai invasion—from Koh Kong to Preah Vihear provinces,” he said.
During a safety session at the Wat Prasat Neak Kou and Wat Silachar Banteay Srei refugee centres in Siem Reap province, Senior Minister Ly Thuch, who is the First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, advised everyone—especially returning refugees—to stay away from areas that may contain unexploded bombs (UXO) left from past conflicts.
He urged villagers to seek safety advice from local authorities and to avoid touching landmines, unexploded bombs, cluster munitions, or any suspicious objects. Instead, they should report these items immediately to authorities, police, village leaders, or mine clearance operators.
From December 7 to 27, 2025, Thailand intensified military assaults on Cambodia outside disputed zones, deploying infantry supported by artillery, tanks, and armoured personnel carriers deep into Cambodian territory, along with airstrikes and naval attacks along the 800-kilometre shared border.
The attacks destroyed bridges and schools, devastated residential areas, and displaced more than half a million people. Major population centres affected included Poipet and Serei Saophoan in Banteay Meanchey province; Preah Vihear in Preah Vihear province; Samraong City in Oddar Meanchey province; and the coastal city of Khemarak Phoumint in Koh Kong province.
According to the Ministry of Interior, Preah Vihear province is assessing damage in Choam Ksan district and delivering food to residents who have not yet returned home. In Oddar Meanchey province, 84 villages remain uninhabitable.
In Banteay Meanchey province, authorities are arranging temporary accommodations and educating residents about the dangers of UXO.
In Battambang province, officials continue to inspect affected homes and are coordinating with CMAC teams to clear UXO, ensuring the safety of returning communities.
– Khmer Times-
