A tragic accident in Cambodia's Siem Reap province has claimed the lives of two young cousins, Muo Lisa and Thum Yen, both aged two. The incident occurred in the rural Svay Leu district and involved a rocket-propelled grenade believed to be over 25 years old. The area was once a battleground between Cambodian government soldiers and Khmer Rouge guerrillas during the 1980s and 1990s, leaving behind a dangerous legacy of unexploded ordnance.
The explosion, which took place on Thursday, underscores the persistent threat posed by leftover explosives in Cambodia. Despite significant efforts to clear these dangerous remnants, they continue to pose a risk, particularly in rural areas. Last year alone, 49 people died due to unexploded ordnance. Since the end of hostilities, nearly 20,000 individuals have lost their lives, with approximately 45,000 more injured by similar incidents.
Cambodia's countryside remains littered with an estimated 4 to 6 million land mines and other unexploded munitions. The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) is at the forefront of efforts to address this issue. Heng Ratana, Director-General of CMAC, stated that experts concluded the grenade responsible for this tragedy was indeed a rocket-propelled grenade, based on fragments found at the scene.
"Their parents went to settle on land that was a former battlefield, and they were not aware that there were any land mines or unexploded ordinance buried near their homes," – Heng Ratana
The tragedy also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by demining efforts. Cambodian deminers are recognized among the world's most skilled, having been deployed under UN auspices to Africa and the Middle East over the past decade. However, financial constraints have impacted their work. The United States had suspended its financial assistance, valued at $6.36 million, earmarked for demining activities in Cambodia from March 2022 to November 2025. This suspension followed President Donald Trump's 90-day freeze on foreign aid. Fortunately, the assistance resumed after Washington issued a waiver.
"It’s a pity because they were too young and they should not have died like this." – Heng Ratana
This incident highlights the urgent need for continued international support and collaboration with the Cambodian government to prevent further tragedies. The ongoing risk of unexploded ordnance calls for sustained efforts to ensure safety in affected regions.
"The war is completely over and there is fully peace for more than 25 years, but the blood of the Khmer (Cambodian) people continues to flow because of the remnants of land mines and ammunition," – Heng Ratana
Leave a Reply