General Sao Sokha, commander-in-chief of Cambodia's Royal Gendarmerie, initiated a month-long operation against deforestation and illegal encroachment on state land in Pursat province on March 12. 

This campaign is focused on four communes in the Veal Veng district.

Sokha, also serving as chairman of the National Committee for the Prevention and Crackdown on Natural Resource Crime, appointed Sar Sambothon, chief of staff at the Royal Gendarmeries, to oversee the operation with 300 military police officers, as reported on their social media.

"The objective of this month-long, ongoing campaign is to enhance the management of natural protected areas, ensuring the sustainability of ecological systems, the conservation of biodiversity and the appropriate utilisation of natural resources," the announcement stated.

The campaign seeks to effectively combat forest offenses and illegal state land encroachment in the province, particularly in Veal Veng.

The statement highlighted that offenders will be apprehended, and cases will be compiled and forwarded to the judiciary.