Cambodia's CMAC Accelerates Clearance of Unexploded Ordnance from 2025 Thai Incursion

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) is accelerating clearance operations to eliminate cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) left in the wake of the 2025 Thai military incursion, a senior official said Friday. Speaking at a workshop titled "Impact of Cluster Bombing from 2025 Thai Aggression and Path Forward to Ensure Safety in Affected Areas" at the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap, CMAC Director-General H.E. Heng Ratana stressed the necessity of restoring land for safe civilian use. The event convened national mine action authorities, international partners, development agencies, and demining operators. According to findings presented during the workshop, specialists identified remnants of M42, M46, and M85 cluster munitions across affected border zones. The presence of unexploded submunitions poses long-term hazards to local farmers and rural communities. Heavy artillery and cluster bomb attacks during the Thai invasion damaged civilian infrastructure, including schools, pagodas, and health centers, with residual explosives continuing to threaten civilians, particularly children. The workshop served as a platform for sharing field data, assessing risks, mapping affected zones, and discussing victim assistance and risk education. Delegates focused on strengthening coordination between national agencies and international partners to mobilize humanitarian aid, technical support, and funding for clearance efforts. H.E. Heng Ratana warned that the cessation of active hostilities does not mean the end of danger, pointing out that unexploded cluster submunitions remain a critical threat to human safety and regional development. He urged coordinated global support to expedite clearance and render affected lands safe for productive use. By K. Rithy Reak