PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has successfully cleared multiple unexploded 155mm artillery shells left from Thai shelling in Preah Vihear province, according to CMAC director-general Heng Ratana.
In a January 19 social media post, Ratana said CMAC technical teams carried out clearance operations in the Srah Em area of Choam Khsant district, where the dangerous remnants of war were found scattered on the ground and buried at varying depths in the soil.
“Some of the shells that failed to explode were lying on the surface, while others were buried deep underground,” he said, stressing that all such explosive remnants pose a serious threat to civilians if left unattended.
Ratana underlined that for the safety of the public, all explosive ordnance — whether on land, shallow or deep underground, or even submerged in water — must be located and removed.
He described the munitions as “deadly killers” that remain hidden long after conflicts end.
CMAC continues to play a critical role in clearing unexploded ordnance across Cambodia, particularly in former conflict zones, to protect lives and support safe land use for local communities. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
