AKP Phnom Penh, February 05, 2026 --

The Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has issued an urgent safety warning after discovering 120 unexploded cluster munitions in Banteay Meanchey province, officials said on Wednesday.

The munitions, remnants of past Thai military shelling, were recovered during a demining operation spanning Dec. 28, 2025, to Feb. 4, 2026. 

The search focused on residential areas, public spaces, and agricultural land in the O’Chrov and Thmar Puok districts, including stretches along National Road 58.

Brigadier General Neth Ratha, Commander of CMAC’s Mine Action Unit 1, detailed the findings during a technical briefing. He noted that the recovery included high-explosive M46 and M85 submunitions, which experts say possess twice the destructive power of standard landmines.

A significant discovery was made in O’ Kambot village, Thmar Puok district, where specialists unearthed an Israeli-made NR 269 (M46) "mother bomb" buried nearly two metres underground. This carrier projectile is designed to disperse 49 smaller submunitions over a wide radius upon impact.

"These munitions pose a severe threat to the local population," CMAC officials stated, noting that the recovered items have been secured behind safety perimetres while awaiting the Royal Government authorisation for controlled detonation. Technical teams are currently utilising specialised magnetic detection machinery to scan for remaining ordnance.

Local authorities and CMAC have issued a strict directive to residents – particularly displaced persons returning to the area – to avoid touching or moving any suspicious objects. Farmers have been urged to request professional land clearance before beginning the planting season to prevent further casualties.

By K. Rithy Reak