An MK82 bomb, precariously balanced on an earthen pillar at the excavation site. - Photo: CMAC
PHNOM PENH: Authorities have discovered two large aerial bombs in a pit in Kandal Steung district, Kandal province, according to a Facebook post by Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
The bombs, identified as MK82 models, each weigh around 230kg and are believed to be remnants from past conflicts.
The discovery, which was captured by a striking photograph shared by Ratana, shows one of the bombs precariously balanced atop a tall earthen pillar within the excavation site.
Workers have been using backhoes to dig soil for sale at the location – a common practice in the region.
However, the presence of this unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a significant threat to the safety of those working in the area.
"If they explode, everything will be destroyed, especially the lives of workers who operate the excavators to dig the soil," warned Ratana in his post.
His statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for catastrophic consequences if the bombs were to detonate.
In response to this alarming discovery, Ratana assured that, “CMAC will cooperate with the relevant ministries and institutions to prevent this problem," emphasising the need for immediate and coordinated action to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community.
The discovery of these bombs is a stark reminder of the lingering dangers posed by UXO in Cambodia, a country still grappling with explosive remnants of war (ERW) decades after the conflict ended.
Despite extensive clearance efforts, unexploded bombs and landmines continue to pose a serious threat to communities across the country, making the work of centre and its partners more critical than ever.
In the first half of 2024, the centre cleared 744 minefields across over 114 million square metres of country.
They discovered and destroyed a total of 64,782 mines and UXO, including 8,092 anti-personnel mines, 126 anti-tank mines, four homemade explosive devices, 28 aircraft bombs and cluster munitions, 52,445 UXO and 3,276kg of ammunition.
The centre's underwater operations covered over 800,000 square metres, uncovering 235 tonnes of UXO, shipwrecks and shrapnel.
Additionally, CMAC and their volunteer network conducted 13,684 mine risk and UXO awareness sessions, reaching over one million people from more than 674,816 households. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
