Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 30 – A Cambodian peacekeeper was seriously injured in the explosion of the Israeli-made AP N04 landmine at the LB1006 minefield in Meliss el Jabel village, Marjayoun district, Lebanon.

The incident occurred at 7 a.m. on Friday. This is the first time that a Cambodian blue beret injured in a landmine over the last 16 years of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

According to a report by the National Center for Peacekeeping Forces Mine and Remnants of War Remnants Clearance, the victim is Lieutenant Colonel Uth Seila, 36.

Seila's both eyes, the whole face, right hand, and both legs were severely injured. He was airlifted to Level 4 Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, at 9:20 a.m.

The landmine was found on July 29 and properly stored, but human traces were found in the next morning and one mine was missing. New digging area was detected as well. While the search was operated, the mine exploded.

According to the inspection of the technical team, the unidentified gunmen took and processed the mine, then buried it at the place, where the incident took place.

The victim’s unit is requesting the promotion for the injured blue beret from the rank of lieutenant colonel to colonel.
=FRESH NEWS