Cambodia Recovers Nearly 27,000 UXO from Waterways Since 2023, CMAC Says

PHNOM PENH, July 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has recovered almost 27,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and more than 276 tonnes of war-related scrap metal from riverbeds and waterways since 2023, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) said Monday. The update was presented during a Ministry of Interior meeting to review progress in the first half of 2026. The session was chaired by Secretary of State Chea Sokunthea, who also heads the inter-ministerial committee overseeing recovery of UXO and sunken vessels. CMAC, which serves as the committee’s secretariat, said clearance operations between January and June focused on Koh Peam Raing village in Prey Veng province. Recovery teams retrieved 541 pieces of UXO and salvaged nearly 1.7 tonnes of wreckage from a sunken vessel. Since operations began in February 2023, authorities have recovered 26,967 pieces of UXO and more than 276.7 tonnes of steel plates and other remnants from sunken vessels. Of these, 15,191 items have been destroyed, while 8,246 have been defused and rendered safe. Officials said the campaign aims not only to remove dangerous remnants of war and reduce risks to communities, but also to improve safety for river and maritime navigation. Clearing waterways, they added, supports cargo and passenger transport, facilitates investment in port infrastructure, and promotes trade, fisheries, tourism and wider socio-economic development. The ministry said assessments and clearance operations will continue, with figures expected to rise as more sites are inspected.