Warnings issued after Thai use of cluster munitions

Warnings issued after Thai use of cluster munitions

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) issued an urgent warning to residents near the Thai-Cambodian border this morning, July 26. They should remain on high alert for cluster munitions, which are being widely employed by Thai armed forces.

“Once again, the (CMAA) expresses its deepest concerns and condemns the Thai armed forces for using cluster munitions on July 25 in Preah Vihear province. They caused injuries to residents — including children — and caused extensive,” said the statement.

To prevent further harm, the CMAA reminded residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution and follow these instructions:

Do not touch cluster munitions if found. These small, often bullet-sized explosives can detonate at any time, causing severe injury, disability or death.
Report sightings immediately to nearby military personnel, national police, local authorities, commune chiefs, village leaders or mine clearance operators for safe removal and destruction.
Examples of unexploded submunitions of the type fired into Preah Vihear province by the Thai military. Supplied