CMAC intensifies UXO clearance and safety education
CMAC officers scour the ground for UXO in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province on Thursday. CMAC
#National
Synopsis: More than 300,000 people receive explosive-risk education as displaced folk return to their homes near the border.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has intensified operations to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) in border provinces following two Thai military attacks last year, while about 300,000 displaced people have been educated on the dangers of explosive remnants of war.
CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana said demining teams are clearing UXO in areas heavily affected by unexploded munitions left behind war at schools and surrounding communities in Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear provinces.
Thailand carried out military attacks on Cambodian territory twice last year, the first time from July 24 to 28 and again December 7 to 27. During both periods, heavy weapons were used on civilian areas, causing widespread destruction of homes, schools, health facilities, pagodas, ancient temples, and public infrastructure. More than 600,000 people were forced to flee to safer locations.
Although active fighting has ceased, large quantities of UXO remain, including cluster munitions, artillery shells, aerial bombs, toxic smoke devices, and other military ammunition which present risks to civilians, particularly in residential areas, farmland, and school zones.
“The clearance of UXO is being carried out in line with the guidance of Prime Minister Hun Manet to ensure the safety of citizens, especially students and teachers living in affected areas,” Ratana said.
Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority First Vice-President Ly Thuch said that following the second assault on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Prime Minister Hun Manet issued urgent directives to safeguard the safety, well-being, and social welfare of displaced populations.
He said particular emphasis has been placed on explosive-risk education before displaced families are allowed to return to their homes.
As of January 15, about 300,000 displaced people have received mine-risk and explosive-ordnance awareness training at displacement centre in the seven provinces of Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Koh Kong, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey.
“Alongside awareness campaigns, CMAC has been collecting and destroying various types of unexploded weapons while continuing surveys and clearance operations in priority locations to ensure safe resettlement for displaced families,” he said.
He added that CMAA will strengthen cooperation with donor countries, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to mobilise additional resources for clearing areas newly contaminated by explosive ordnance across Cambodia.
According to a Ministry of Interior report, as of yesterday, among the 640,000 displaced persons, about 510,000 have reintegrated into their communities, leaving about 135,000 at the camps, including about 70,500 women and 44,000 children.
-Khmer Times-
