AKP Phnom Penh, January 02, 2026 --

Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has intensified its public education campaign on the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) for displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province, as some families begin returning to their homes.

CMAC said the campaign has been conducted continuously from Dec. 31, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026 and will continue in the coming period, amid heightened risks linked to unexploded munitions scattered in villages, farmland and residential areas.

The agency warned that UXO fired or dropped into civilian areas remain a “hidden killer” that can cause death or lifelong disability at any time, urging displaced people and local authorities to exercise the highest level of caution.

CMAC advised residents to avoid entering areas suspected of containing unexploded ordnance and to seek guidance from local authorities before accessing unfamiliar locations. It stressed a strict “do not touch” principle when encountering landmines, cluster munitions, unexploded bombs or any suspicious objects, warning against handling, striking or attempting to dismantle them.

To support affected communities, CMAC said it has deployed teams of demining operators and maintains a nationwide network of 4,067 trained community volunteers stationed at village, commune and district levels in impacted areas.

Residents who discover suspected explosive remnants of war are urged to report immediately to local authorities, including police posts, village or commune chiefs, CMAC demining teams operating in the area, or local volunteer networks.

“Public safety is CMAC’s top priority,” the agency said. “Protecting lives depends on prompt reporting and never touching unexploded war ordnance.”

By K. Rithy Reak