Mine event in Banteay Meanchey, Samakki village, Thmar Puok district area, Cambodia on Tue 24th October 2023

A 28-year-old man living in Samakki village, Thmar Puok district in Banteay Meanchey province lost his lower left leg to an accidental landmine explosion on Tuesday. The victim was identified as Chom Chung. The incident occurred after Chung entered the forest to dig up an old tree stump. He stepped inadvertently on a landmine while walking. Relatives of the victim were notified and rushed to the scene. Border police from O’Say checkpoint sent the injured man to Thmar Puok district referral hospital. Em Sokha, Thmar Puok district governor, called on all citizens living near border areas not to enter any contaminated areas. He added that the correct thing to do before entering any forested land is to inquire with local authorities to verify if the area has been demined. Also, if anyone discovers any unexploded ordnance (UXO) or landmines they must report it to local authorities. Deputy Banteay Meanchey governor Ly Sovannarith said that previously there have been no similar cases in Thmar Puok district, although it has occurred in some other areas in the province. He noted the incident occurred in a forested area very close to the Thai border. The area has been believed to be strewn with unexploded ordnance and landmines. He said that authorities have explained the situation to residents in the past and warned them never to enter anywhere into the forest, especially areas marked with UXO warning signs as they have not yet been demined. He added that the district will request that the Cambodian Mine Action Centre or HALO Trust demining organisations cooperate to clear contaminated areas. Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) said that 26 landmine casualties were reported over the past nine months, with four dead, 14 injured and eight crippled by the explosions. Most explosions occurred in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Ratanakiri, CMAA said.