Incident Overview
On February 22, 2025, in the rural village of Kranhuong, located in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, a devastating explosion claimed the lives of two 2-year-old cousins, Muo Lisa and Thum Yen. The children were playing near their homes when they inadvertently triggered a buried rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) dating back over 25 years. One child died instantly, while the other succumbed to injuries at a local hospital.
Historical Context and Ongoing Risks
The area surrounding Kranhuong village was a significant battleground during the conflicts between Cambodian government forces and Khmer Rouge guerrillas in the 1980s and 1990s. As a result, the region remains littered with unexploded ordnance (UXO), posing a persistent threat to local communities. Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), emphasized the volatility of such munitions, noting that as they deteriorate over time, their explosive contents become increasingly unstable.
Impact on Local Communities
Despite the official end of Cambodia’s civil war in 1998, the legacy of conflict continues to endanger lives. Many residents, including the victims’ families, are unaware of the hidden dangers beneath their land. Ratana expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “It’s a pity because they were too young and they should not have died like this.”
Efforts in Demining and Challenges
Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries globally, with an estimated 4 to 6 million land mines and other unexploded munitions scattered across its landscape. From 1979 to 2024, these remnants have resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and approximately 45,000 injuries. While demining operations have significantly reduced the number of casualties in recent years, the task is far from complete. Efforts to clear contaminated land are ongoing, but challenges persist due to funding constraints and the sheer scale of the problem.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Muo Lisa and Thum Yen underscore the urgent need for continued and enhanced demining initiatives in Cambodia. Protecting vulnerable communities from the hidden remnants of past conflicts is imperative to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
