(Phnom Penh): The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Director General Heng Ratana called on residents living in areas affected by cluster munitions in several districts of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces to exercise the utmost caution following the use of cluster munitions by Thai forces during the recent five days of fighting.

In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday (Aug. 12), Heng Ratana said Thailand fired 155mm shells, each containing 56 M-46 cluster sub-munitions, posing an extreme danger.

“All unexploded cluster sub-munitions are very high risk and M46 can affected large areas and has an immense threat by hanging on top of trees and houses, on the ground and in the water.”

CMAC teams have already discovered and are working to survey, mark, and clear affected areas, including Samraong and Banteay Ampil districts in Oddar Meanchey and Choam Khsant district in Preah Vihear.

Heng Ratana reminded the public that the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans their use, has been in force since 2010 with 123 signatory states.

“In case, having physical identification or suspected cluster munitions or UXOs, please contact CMAC experts or local authorities or local police for providing assistance,” he added.
=FRESH NEWS