Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Director General Heng Ratana told a recent workshop that preliminary research indicated Thai forces had fired large numbers of 155 mm artillery projectiles carrying M-series cluster munitions into Cambodian territory during past border fighting.
The source report identifies M42, M46 and M85 types. The affected areas it lists span 371 villages in Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap. Preliminary surveys marked roughly 3,600 affected areas, covering about 2,360 square kilometres.
CMAC’s workshop account estimates that roughly 120,000 to 130,000 155 mm artillery projectiles, carrying an estimated six to seven million cluster bomblets, were used in the affected areas. This is an estimate of munitions used, not a count of all unexploded items remaining. CMAC says the impact includes military positions as well as farmland, schools, hospitals and other civilian areas, and that it will continue clearance work to reduce long-term border risks.
