Cambodia's Interior Minister Mourns Officers Killed in Domestic Violence Raid, Orders Investigation

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sar Sokha, has expressed deep condolences for the five police officers and militia members who tragically lost their lives during an operation to suppress domestic violence in Ou Som commune, Veal Veng district, Poipet province. The incident occurred on August 5, 2026, when a perpetrator, reportedly under the influence of drugs, engaged in domestic violence. Upon receiving a report from the perpetrator's wife, police and militia forces were dispatched to the scene. During the intervention, the perpetrator detonated a grenade, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and three militia members. The perpetrator himself also died, and one militia member sustained serious injuries. The fallen officers have been identified as Police Chief Sam Ra, Post Officer So Sovannarith, and militia members Chorn Prem, Sok An, and Chinda. The perpetrator was identified as Eam Dum. Minister Sar Sokha instructed the National Police General Directorate, the Poipet provincial administration, and the Poipet provincial police to pay the utmost attention to the arrangements for the funerals of the deceased officers and militia. Furthermore, he urged them to diligently continue their investigation into the drug dealers operating in the area and the source of the explosives used by the perpetrator. On behalf of the Ministry of Interior and himself, Minister Sar Sokha stated that this tragedy serves as a stark reminder that "drugs are killers and our common enemy," emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat drug trafficking. Source: CEN Cambodia