PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — A tragic incident occurred in rural northwestern Cambodia when a rocket-propelled grenade, likely over 25 years old, exploded and claimed the lives of two young cousins, both aged two. This incident took place near their homes on Saturday, as confirmed by local officials.
The explosion happened in the Svay Leu district of Siem Reap province, an area previously marked by intense conflict during the 1980s and 1990s between the Cambodian military and Khmer Rouge rebels, who were removed from power in 1979. Muo Lisa and her cousin, Thum Yen, were living in close proximity within the small village of Kranhuong. While their parents were engaged in farming activities, the toddlers stumbled upon the unexploded ordnance, which led to the fatal blast. Experts from the Cambodian Mine Action Center later identified the remnants as a rocket-propelled grenade.
Unexploded munitions pose significant risks, particularly as they can become increasingly unstable over time. CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana noted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the accident, emphasizing that the children’s families were unaware they had settled on land that was once a battlefield, which might contain hidden dangers. “It’s a pity because they were too young and they should not have died like this,” he expressed.
Estimates suggest that Cambodia’s landscape is still littered with approximately 4 to 6 million land mines and various unexploded weapons left behind from decades of warfare that began in 1970 and concluded in 1998. Since the cessation of hostilities, nearly 20,000 individuals have lost their lives, while around 45,000 have sustained injuries due to these hazardous remnants. Although the number of casualties has steadily decreased over the years—with 49 deaths reported last year—the threat remains a serious concern.
Heng Ratana highlighted the ongoing risk, stating, “The war is completely over and there is fully peace for more than 25 years, but the blood of the Khmer (Cambodian) people continues to flow because of the remnants of land mines and ammunition,” in a recent social media post.
Cambodia boasts some of the world’s most skilled deminers, with thousands sent abroad in recent years under United Nations oversight to assist in various regions across Africa and the Middle East. Earlier this month, Cambodia’s demining initiatives gained attention when U.S. financial support for eight provinces was momentarily halted due to a foreign aid freeze. However, Heng Ratana announced that a waiver from Washington has been granted, allowing approximately $6.36 million in aid to resume from March 2022 through November 2025.
