AKP Phnom Penh, February 06, 2026 --

Cambodia’s national demining agency officially launched a major clearance operation on Friday, backed by US$5 million in U.S. funding, aimed at eliminating the deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the border province of Oddar Meanchey.

The initiative, titled "Saving Lives and Moving Towards Eliminating the Impact of Remnants of War in Cambodia," is a joint partnership between the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).

Speaking at the project's inauguration, CMAC Director-General H.E. Heng Ratana emphasised the high stakes of the mission, urging demining teams to adhere to the strictest safety protocols.

"Clearing mines and unexploded ordnance is a life-threatening task that demands absolute precision," he said. "There is no room for negligence."

The project specifically targets a range of hazardous materials, including cluster munitions, aerial bombs, and chemical remnants left behind by Thai troops invasions. 

Under the agreement signed Thursday, the United States is providing US$5 million through the NPA, with US$4 million allocated directly to CMAC to fund three specific operational sub-projects.

By K. Rithy Reak