Cambodia's CMAC Reports Progress in Clearing War Remnants Six Months into 2026

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has announced its achievements in addressing the crisis of unexploded ordnance from the Thai invasion during the first six months of 2026, from January to June. Key results include: 1. Public Awareness and Education: Conducted 14,477 sessions to educate the public about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, with a total participation of 1,374,877 people. 2. Survey of War Remnants: CMAC conducted surveys in seven provinces affected by the past Thai invasion: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Koh Kong. The survey covered 22 districts, 60 communes/sub-districts, and 335 villages. The findings are as follows: * 265 polygon locations identified as bomb drop sites, affecting an area of 4,829 hectares. * 3,858 polygon locations identified as cluster bomb sites, affecting an area of 262,506 hectares. It is estimated that the Thai army fired approximately 120,000 to 130,000 cluster bombs of 155mm type, along with about 6 to 7 million submunitions of types M42, M46, and M85. The failure rate is estimated to be between 25% and 30%. * 1,401 polygon locations identified as sites with other types of unexploded ordnance, affecting an area of 119,870 hectares. In total, 5,348 locations (polygons) covering 387,206 hectares (or 3,872 square kilometers) were surveyed, with over 18,500 pieces of physical evidence found. *Note: 14 villages and areas along the entire front-line border have not yet been surveyed due to geographical challenges.* 3. Land Release and Clearance: Prioritized land clearance to support the return of refugees to their homes. This included clearing 5,911 houses, equivalent to nearly 1,455 hectares. Additionally, 87 school buildings, health center areas (154 hectares), 20 health center locations, 6 pagodas, and 114 other infrastructure sites were cleared. * Over 8,400 pieces of ordnance of all types were discovered and destroyed, including 4,436 cluster bombs. These efforts aim to mitigate the threat posed by unexploded ordnance, a legacy of past conflicts, and contribute to the safety and reconstruction of communities in Cambodia.