Cambodia Destroys Thai M85 Cluster Bombs in Preah Vihear

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAC) on September 10th safely destroyed Thai-made M85 cluster bombs, which were dropped by the Thai military during past territorial incursions into Cambodia. The operation took place in Trapeang Sangkae South Village, Rumdoh Srae Commune, Choam Ksan District, Preah Vihear Province. CMAC officials stated that these dangerous cluster bombs, fired from Thai military artillery and tanks during the invasion and occupation of Cambodian territory, fell more than 20 kilometers away, causing catastrophic and long-lasting damage to lives and land. Mr. Eang Sophal, head of the CMAC unit, indicated the directions from which the Thai military fired various types of bombs onto the Preah Vihear Temple area during the past invasion. Among the 1,599 bombs dropped, the Thai military used a significant number of cluster bombs, which are internationally prohibited. The Cambodian Journalists Association, in collaboration with the provincial administration, CMAC, and the Preah Vihear National Authority, organized an event for 40 national and international media institutions to witness the actual damage and report the true situation to the world.