Public warning over cluster bomb remnants found in residential areas

IMAGE: Cluster bombs being cleared by CMAC using magnetic suction systems on January 22. CMAC

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Synopsis: Cambodian Mine Action Centre calls for extreme caution, especially in high-risk border areas, warning people against touching suspicious objects.

Cambodia’s demining organisation yesterday issued a public safety warning over the discovery of unexploded submunitions in residential areas, asking people to be vigilant and immediately report suspected devices.

Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) said in a statement accompanying a newly released public awareness poster that the M46 cluster bomb submunitions used on Cambodian territory from past cross-border conflicts have since been found in communities where people live and farm.

The organisation called for extreme caution, especially in high-risk border areas, warning people against touching suspicious objects.

The M46 is cylindrical, measuring about 38 millimetres in diameter and 81 mm long, with a white ribbon-like strip attached at the top, says the information poster, adding that the device may look like a toy or a small metal container, increasing the risk of children touching it. Each 155-millimetre artillery shell carrying these submunitions can release up to 56 bomblets, many of which failed to detonate during the conflicts and remain unstable explosive hazards.

CMAC said that on sighting a suspicious object, one should report the location to authorities, police or CMAC.

Unexploded munitions remain deadly long after the guns have fallen silent in a conflict.

CMAC released hot lines for the provinces. In Preah Vihear, residents can contact 097 222 2735 or 081 611 113. In Oddar Meanchey, the numbers are 097 957 5666 and 097 721 0200. In Banteay Meanchey, reports can be made on 097 200 1141 or 012 231 441. In Battambang, one can call 097 200 1234 or 071 955 1168. For Pursat and Koh Kong, the contact numbers are 093 666 169 and 088 866 6169. In Siem Reap, CMAC can be reached at 067 554 444 or 011 554 444.

The warning comes as Cambodia continues to deal with explosive remnants of war, especially in border provinces. Thailand has used cluster munitions in border conflicts with Cambodia, most notably during fighting in 2011 and again during renewed clashes in 2025. Bangkok is not a signatory to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use, production and stockpiling of such armaments.

-Khmer Times-