The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) urge greater public vigilance after a recent landmine explosion seriously injured a local farmer in Battambang province.
The incident, which wounded a 55-year-old man in his arms and legs, occurred as he walked to harvest tumeric near Phnom Rey village, in Samlot district’s Ta Tok commune.
The CMAA said the victim was rushed to Battambang Provincial Hospital for emergency treatment after the Type 69 anti-personnel mine explosion.
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA, explained that both the government and CMAA are striving to clear landmines, as they are more dangerous than other explosive remnants of war (ERW).
He expressed his desire to prevent any such future incidents.
“The CMAA will continue to clear mines across Cambodia. We call upon all demining operators and local authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines in communities with ERW, so that the public will heighten their vigilance,” he said.
In addition, he urged residents in areas with known ERW to avoid entering unfamiliar places. If they encounter unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO), they should refrain from touching them and promptly report them to the authorities or nearby demining operators for disposal.
He added that the CMAA will continue to allocate financial resources and deploy demining forces to prevent further harm from landmines.
Heng Ratana, director-general of the CMAC, also took to social media to remind people that the mine encountered by the Battambang resident was a remnant of war.
“This is a tragic legacy of war, which continues to threaten people’s lives. I extend my sympathy and regrets to all victims and their families,” he said.
He stated that to ensure public safety and compliance with state law, development in areas which are suspected of housing mines or munitions cannot take place until the area has been cleared of landmines and ERW.
“Carrying out work in a suspected minefield could result in deaths and injuries, and doing so at any time can be hazardous,” he added.
In a separate incident, a January 30 landmine explosion injured three people in Pursat province’s Sangkum Thmey village, in Veal Veng district’s Thma Da commune.
According to the CMAA, in 2023, there were 32 victims of landmines and ERW, with most incidents taking place in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Ratanakkiri provinces. Of the 32 victims, four were killed, while 10 suffered amputations and 18 were injured, some of them seriously.
This figure represented a 22 per cent drop on the 2022 numbers, when 41 victims were recorded.
