AKP Phnom Penh, April 16, 2026—

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Cambodia's acting Head of State, shared a somber reflection on Thursday, marking the 51st anniversary of the severe combat injury that cost him his left eye during the Cambodian civil war.

In a commemorative post on his official social media channel, Samdech Hun Sen recalled the moment he was wounded at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 16, 1975. He noted that at this exact hour 51 years ago, he remained unconscious due to the gravity of his injuries.

"The unit under my direct command suffered 38 casualties, including myself as the commander," Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated. "I was fortunate to survive, but nearly 30 of my comrades had already made the ultimate sacrifice."

Reflecting on the brutality of the conflict, he added, "This is the nature of war, and it is something we never wish to encounter again."

Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded his message by offering traditional New Year blessings to the Cambodian people, wishing the nation continued peace and prosperity.

By K. Rithy Reak