CMAC clears cluster munitions from civilian home in Preah Vihear

CMAC experts clear cluster munitions fired by Thailand during a 21-day conflict, located inside a civilian home in Choam Ksan District, Preah Vihear Province. CMAC

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A home in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, has been declared safe after the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) removed cluster munition remnants left by Thai forces during past border conflicts.

According to CMAC Director General Heng Ratana, the clearance operation was carried out yesterday, targeting unexploded M85 submunitions from a 155-millimetre artillery shell that had landed inside a civilian house and caused extensive damage.

The incident took place at a residence in Chambak Senchey village, Sror Aem commune, Choam Ksan district, where cluster munition remnants were embedded within the home, making the area extremely hazardous for returning residents.

“The cluster munitions were fired by the Thai side during the 21-day invasion war and severely damaged the civilian house,” Ratana said, adding that the successful clearance has restored safety to the affected property.

CMAC has issued a strong warning to displaced residents returning to their homes in the area, urging them to remain highly vigilant for unexploded ordnance left behind by Thai forces, particularly cluster munitions, which pose a long-term threat to civilian lives.

Cluster munitions are prohibited under international law because of their indiscriminate effects and high failure rate. The Convention on Cluster Munitions came into force in 2010 and has since been ratified or acceded to by 123 countries worldwide.

-Khmer Times-