Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 1 – The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) announced the temporary suspension of operations in Kampong Cham, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Tboung Khmum, Svay Rieng, and Prey Veng provinces. The decision follows the suspension of all assistance provided by the US government to partner organisations supporting CMAC's activities.

Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of CMAC, told Fresh News of this development on Friday (Jan. 31).

He expressed his regret over the situation and notified local authorities and residents in the affected provinces that CMAC's operations will be temporarily suspended for 85 days, from 25 January 2025 until further notice.

Heng Ratana explained that the suspension was prompted by the US government's decision to halt aid to partner organisations supporting CMAC. This measure is part of a broader suspension of US assistance globally, which has also affected certain partner organisations operating in Cambodia.

He added that CMAC’s leadership and development partners have been working closely with officials from the US Department of State to restore support for this humanitarian project. The US government’s aid, channelled through partner organisations, has been instrumental in CMAC’s mission to clear cluster munitions and other ordnance left behind by US airstrikes during past conflicts in Cambodia.

The director general added that the US government had committed a total of USD 6,355,720 in assistance to CMAC through partner organisations for a period of 45 months, from 1 March 2022 to 30 November 2025, supporting nearly 200 technical personnel.

Between 1 March 2022 and the end of January 2025, CMAC’s provincial units cleared 561 minefields spanning 11,195 hectares and located and destroyed 27,022 landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), including 17,971 cluster munitions and 69 large aerial bombs.

Heng Ratana also urged local authorities and residents to collaborate with CMAC’s network of over 1,000 volunteer informants and the national police. He stressed the importance of their cooperation in enabling CMAC to deploy expert teams as needed to ensure public safety through continued mine and UXO clearance efforts.
=FRESH NEWS