26 killed and injured by landmines

TWENTY-six people were killed and injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in the first four months of the year in Cambodia.

The Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) said it was a decrease of 48 per cent compared to the same period last year when 50 casualties were recorded.

Of the 26 victims, five died, 21 sustained serious and minor injuries, seven of whom had their limbs amputated and will become disabled for life. They are still being treated by medical teams.

A CMAA report said that during this period, seven de-mining operators – the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Cambodia Self Help Demining (CSHD), Halo Trust, MAC, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and APOPO – had cleared 36,180,704 sqm and discovered 4,893 anti-human mines, 120 anti-tank mines, and 14,195 explosive remnants of war.

Senior minister and CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch told The Phnom Penh Post that landmines and explosive remnants continue to affect the daily lives of Cambodians in rural and remote areas.

“Everyone must be careful when spotting them. Don’t try to touch, play, or pick them up because they can easily explode and endanger life.

Follow the story at https://www.nst.com.my/world/region/2020/05/592105/26-killed-and-injured-landmines