Phnom penh: The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has urged the public to take precautions against cluster munitions, which remain a dangerous remnant of war in Samraong and Banteay Ampil districts of Banteay Meanchey province, and Choam Ksan district of Preah Vihear province.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a Facebook post this morning, H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of CMAC, reported that during the past five days of armed clashes, Thailand had fired 155mm artillery shells containing cluster munitions. Each shell contains 56 M46 cluster sub-munitions, which pose severe risks as unexploded ordnance (UXO). These sub-munitions can cover large areas and remain hazardous when lodged in trees or houses, scattered on the ground, or submerged in water.

CMAC expert teams have already located several cluster munitions and are actively conducting surveys, marking hazardous areas, and carrying out clearance operations where possible to ensure the safety of local communities, he added.

The International Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of such weapons, entered into force in 2010 and has been ratified by 123 countries.

“In the event of discovering or suspecting the presence of cluster munitions or other UXOs, please immediately contact CMAC experts, local authorities, or the police for assistance,” H.E. Heng Ratana stressed.