Phnom Penh: A grenade, believed to be over 25 years old, exploded in Cambodia, killing two toddlers near their homes.
The tragic incident happened in Siem Reap province’s Svay Leu district, once a battlefield during past conflicts.
The explosion took place on Saturday in a remote village where war remnants still pose a danger.
Muo Lisa and her cousin, Thum Yen, were near their homes when they found the grenade.
The device suddenly detonated, leading to the instant deaths of both children.
Unaware of Danger
Their parents were working on their farms when the explosion occurred.
The families had settled on former battlegrounds, unaware of hidden explosive remnants.
Heng Ratana, from the Cambodian Mine Action Center, confirmed the device was a rocket-propelled grenade.
He expressed sorrow, saying children should not have to die from war remnants.
Unexploded ordnance becomes highly unstable over time, increasing its danger.
War’s Lasting Impact
Between 4 and 6 million land mines and explosives remain buried across Cambodia.
These weapons were left behind from conflicts spanning from 1970 to 1998.
Since the war ended, nearly 20,000 people have died from old explosives.
Approximately 45,000 have suffered injuries from land mines and unexploded munitions.
Last year, Cambodia recorded 49 deaths due to hidden explosives.
Ongoing Risks
Despite 25 years of peace, unexploded ordnance continues to endanger Cambodian lives.
Heng Ratana stressed the need for continuous demining efforts to prevent further tragedies.
Cambodian deminers are among the most experienced, working under UN missions in Africa and the Middle East.
However, funding challenges have affected clearance operations across the country.
This month, US aid for Cambodia’s demining efforts was briefly suspended.
Funding Resumes
The US had frozen financial assistance for demining in eight Cambodian provinces.
The funding halt was due to President Donald Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign assistance.
On Thursday, Washington granted a waiver, allowing demining funds to resume.
The financial aid, totaling $6.36 million, will support Cambodia’s clearance efforts.
It covers operations from March 2022 until November 2025.
Cambodian authorities continue working to clear deadly remnants of war, protecting future generations from similar tragedies.
