Tragedy struck a rural village in northwestern Cambodia when a rocket-propelled grenade, believed to be more than 25 years old, detonated near the homes of two young cousins, a 2-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy. The incident occurred in Siem Reap province's Svay Leu district, an area that witnessed intense fighting in the 1980s and 1990s between Cambodian government forces and Khmer Rouge rebels.
The victims, Muo Lisa and Thum Yen, were playing near their homes in the remote village of Kranhuong while their parents were working on the farm. Unfortunately, the toddlers stumbled upon the unexploded ordnance, resulting in the tragic explosion. Experts from the Cambodian Mine Action Center later confirmed that the device was a rocket-propelled grenade.
Old unexploded munitions pose a significant threat as their explosive components become increasingly unstable over time. The parents of the children were unaware of the presence of landmines or unexploded ordnance in the vicinity, as the area had been a former battlefield.
Decades of conflict in Cambodia, spanning from 1970 to 1998, left an estimated 4-6 million landmines and unexploded munitions scattered across the country's countryside. Despite the cessation of hostilities, the remnants of war continue to claim lives and cause injuries. Since the end of the conflict, nearly 20,000 people have lost their lives, and around 45,000 have been injured due to leftover explosives.
Cambodia's demining efforts have been crucial in addressing this ongoing threat. The country's deminers, renowned for their expertise, have been deployed to various regions globally, including Africa and the Middle East, under U.N. auspices.
Recent developments saw a temporary suspension of U.S. financial assistance for demining activities in Cambodia, affecting eight provinces. However, following a waiver issued by Washington, the aid amounting to $6.36 million, covering the period from March 2022 to November 2025, is set to resume.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of past conflicts and the importance of continued efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance to safeguard lives and promote lasting peace.
