The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) actively continued its campaign educating war-displaced residents in the Banteay Meanchey area about explosive remnants of war from December 31, 2025 through January 1, 2026, and said the activities would continue without interruption.
With approximately 100,000 displaced people having returned home after the ceasefire took effect as of January 1, 2026, CMAC strongly urged residents and all local authorities to exercise the utmost caution. Ordnance fired or dropped into villages, farmland and residential areas was a “hidden killer” that could cause death or disability at any time.
To protect themselves and their families, CMAC advised people to avoid any area suspected of containing unexploded ordnance and consult competent local authorities before entering uncertain areas. Under the “do not touch” principle, anyone encountering mines, cluster bombs, unexploded ordnance or unfamiliar objects suspected of being ammunition must never touch, throw, strike or attempt to dismantle them.
CMAC said it was ready to help, with operators close to residents and a network of 4,067 volunteers in villages, communes and districts in affected target areas. Anyone finding ordnance should immediately inform competent local authorities, including the police post, village chief or commune chief.
By: Chinta Titi
