CMAC reports extensive use of cluster munitions along border

SIEM REAP, March 27, 2026 (KPT) – The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) have accused Thai forces of firing tens of thousands of artillery shells containing cluster munitions into Cambodian territory, raising serious humanitarian concerns.

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) said preliminary investigations suggest around 130,000 shells were launched, targeting both military and civilian areas, including villages, schools, hospitals and farmland.

Speaking at a seminar on March 25 at the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap, CMAC Director General Heng Ratana confirmed the shells contained M type cluster submunitions, including M42, M46 and M85 models.

“Our investigations show that cluster munitions were used across villages and civilian areas, posing long term risks to the safety and livelihoods of local communities,” he said.

CMAC field teams surveyed 371 villages across six provinces along the Thai border, identifying roughly 3,600 affected sites covering 2,360 square kilometers.

Based on preliminary findings, the agency estimates between six and seven million individual submunitions may have been deployed, though figures remain subject to revision.

Officials warned that unexploded ordnance could remain lethal for decades, threatening civilians and hindering agricultural recovery.

CMAC continues clearance operations to restore land and infrastructure, stressing that mine action is critical for both safety and post conflict development.