EOD specialists from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) have identified nine additional sites of Thai aerial bombing, it reported today, July 31. Four were craters where bombs had exploded, while five contained unexploded munitions, warned CMAC director-general Heng Ratana.
“I can confirm that all of the sites are the result of MK-84 bombs which were dropped by the Thai air force between July 24 and 28,” he said.
He explained that CMAC has all a database of all bombs dropped during the Indochina wars. Provided by the US, it confirms that there was no aerial bombardment in this area during that war.
“When aircraft drop bombs, the number of flights and details of each mission must be recorded, including the serial numbers of the munitions used,” he said.
His comments were in response to Thai claims that the recently uncovered one-tonne MK-84 bombs were old, and had not been dropped recently. Thai authorities suggested the bombs may have been remnants from past conflicts.
Raana also extended an open invitation to any concerned parties or international ordnance experts, suggesting they visit the sites in person and conduct a detailed inspection.
“Anyone with doubts can come and see for themselves. Bring international specialists in aerial bombs—we welcome their evaluation,” he concluded.
