Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - CMAC begins removal of two chemical bombs

CMAC begins removal of two chemical bombs

An official inspects an unexploded Mk 82 bomb found on Saturday in Kampong Speu’s Kirirom National Park.
An official inspects an unexploded Mk 82 bomb found on Saturday in Kampong Speu’s Kirirom National Park. Photo supplied

CMAC begins removal of two chemical bombs

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) is scheduled to begin the removal of two chemical bombs in Svay Rieng province this morning, while a 227 kilogram Mk 82 bomb was safely removed yesterday from Kirirom National Park.

The chemical bombs contain 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS), a type of tear gas, and were dropped by the United States military before the Khmer Rouge takeover. Last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen called the bombs “weapons of mass destruction”, and accused the US of not shouldering enough of the burden in clearing ordnance.

“These chemical bombs are very harmful to the comfort of the people because once the chemical leaks out, it will cause diseases – itchiness, respiratory problems and cancer,” said CMAC President Heng Ratana, though CS is not listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Ratana said the excavation and removal of the bombs will take 10 days, and 162 families in Romeas Hek district will need to temporarily relocate.

“Our experts will do their best to deal with both chemical bombs as soon as possible in order to impound them at the safe place temporarily and wait for the discussion with partners including the US,” Ratana said.

Meanwhile, in Kampong Speu province’s Phnom Sruoch district, authorities removed an Mk-82, the second discovered in the area since last year.

“It is really huge . . . If it exploded, I do not know how many people would die,” said district Police Chief Say Bunthorn.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former