CMAC warns of UXO dangers as residents return home, granted $11M from Japan
An unexploded 155mm shell from the Thai army which fell in the vicinity of the village of Chouk Chey during the recent clashes. Hong Raksmey
#National
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has warned of the continued danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), urging residents who are returning to their homes near the border to exercise extreme caution and to report any suspected explosive devices immediately to CMAC or local authorities.
CMAC director-general Heng Ratana said remnants of war continue to pose a serious threat, not only causing deaths and injuries but also endangering land, forests and community safety over the long term.
“People must avoid touching or picking up any objects suspected to be mines or unexploded ordnance,” he said.
“Such actions can be extremely dangerous. Many recent accidents have occurred simply because individuals handled these devices themselves, even without heavy machinery like tractors triggering large mines,” he added.
He stressed that accidents do not only occur in cases involving anti-tank mines, but also from direct contact with smaller mines or unexploded munitions.
CMAC urged the public to report any suspicious objects to local authorities or through CMAC’s hotline so that trained experts can safely intervene.
Ratana also highlighted the importance of international support for mine clearance efforts in Cambodia.
On January 12, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, an Exchange of Notes was signed between Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi.
Under the agreement, the Japanese government will provide a grant of 1.7 billion yen —approximately $11 million — to support the “Integrated Mine Clearance and Victim Assistance (Phase 3)” project.
“The funding is intended to support CMAC’s operations in three target provinces: Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong,” Ratana explained, via social media.
“The project will run for two years, from January 2026 to January 15, 2028, and is expected to directly benefit more than 27,000 families, along with many additional indirect beneficiaries,” he added.
He said to achieve its objectives, CMAC will deploy more than 350 operational personnel.
In addition to landmine clearance, the project includes the provision of advanced technical equipment and modern technology, such as ALIS mine detectors, mine-clearing machinery, drones and artificial intelligence–based data systems.
It also incorporates community development support for mine victims.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
