The Ministry of National Defence has denied several false accusations regarding the explosion of an ammunition dump at the Military Region 3 base in Kampong Speu province’s Chbarmon town.

Following the explosion, which killed 20 soldiers and wounded at least an additional 15, several foreign-based critics, including former opposition leader Sam Rainsy, speculated about what he called an “armed movement” against the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the family of former prime minister Hun Sen.

Several other opposition figures also attempted to link the explosion to perceived complaints about the upcoming Funan Tacho Canal project.

But in a May 1 statement, released on social media today, the ministry denied the allegations and urged that the spreading of misinformation be brought to an end.

“The incident which took place on April 27 in Kampong Speu province was due to a technical problem in dealing with old ammunition and the hot weather. It was not part of a military uprising, an act of terror, or any other intentional act, as some figures have suggested,” said the statement.

The ministry urged the public and the media to stop spreading false allegations, warning that legal action could be taken.