The US has lifted the suspension of the aid it provides for mine clearance operations in the Kingdom. This decision has restored the hopes of the 210 demining personnel who were affected by the recent suspension of aid, according to Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) director-general Heng Ratana.

Ratana shared the news via social media, on the evening of February 20.

“I am pleased to inform you that on February 20, 2025, CMAC received confirmation from a US-funded partner organisation that the US government has granted a waiver, allowing the resumption and continuation of cooperation in mine and unexploded ordnance clearance under existing agreements,” he wrote.

Last week, at least one demining operator requested that CMAC disband its team as of March 1, citing the freeze on US-government funding.

In late January, Ratana announced that the suspension of US aid impacted demining operations in the provinces of Kampong Cham, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Tboung Khmum, Svay Rieng and Prey Veng.

With the funding slated to return, Ratana expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Hun Manet for his support in appealing to the US government.

He also thanked CMAC2’s development partners, US embassy officials in Cambodia and the staff of the US Department of State, for their collective efforts in advocating for the waiver of restrictions on mine action projects in the Kingdom.

Ratana extended special thanks to the US government for prioritising the resumption of aid which supports mine and unexploded ordnance clearance activities.