A rocket-propelled grenade explosion in Cambodia killed two young cousins. The 2-year-olds found the device near their homes in an area with a history of conflict. Experts confirmed the dangerous ordinance, highlighting ongoing risks from unexploded munitions in the country, which remains affected by remnants of war.
In Cambodia, a rocket-propelled grenade, believed to be over 25 years old, exploded and tragically killed two toddlers, aged 2, identified as Muo Lisa and her male cousin Thum Yen. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Svay Leu district of Siem Reap province, an area with a history of conflict during the 1980s and 1990s between government forces and the Khmer Rouge insurgents.
The children, residing in the remote village of Kranhuong, discovered the unexploded grenade while their parents were engaged in farming activities nearby. The Cambodian Mine Action Center later confirmed the type of unexploded ordnance from the recovered fragments. Such munitions pose significant risks as their explosive components can become unstable over time.
Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, expressed sorrow over the incident, noting that the children’s parents were unaware of landmines or unexploded ordnance in their newly settled area, which previously served as a battlefield. Cambodia is estimated to have 4-6 million landmines and unexploded munitions remaining from decades of conflict that persisted until 1998.
Since the end of hostilities, nearly 20,000 people have died, and approximately 45,000 have suffered injuries from leftover explosives. Even though the casualty rate has decreased significantly, with 49 deaths reported last year, the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance remain a critical issue. Ratana underscored that despite the long-standing peace, the Cambodian people continue to be affected by remnants of war.
The Cambodian demining sectors have gained international recognition, with numerous experts deployed to regions like Africa and the Middle East over the last decade under UN programs. Recently, Cambodian demining efforts received attention as U.S. funding, initially suspended due to a foreign assistance freeze, was reinstated, enabling ongoing demining operations through a $6.36 million aid package valid from March 2022 to November 2025.
The tragic deaths of two toddlers in Cambodia highlight the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded ordnance from past conflicts. Despite significant progress in clearing mines and munitions, remnants of warfare continue to endanger communities. Increased awareness and continued international support for demining efforts are crucial to safeguarding lives and preventing further tragedies. The case emphasizes the need for vigilance in areas once affected by conflict and the importance of education on recognizing and reporting unexploded munitions.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
