Cambodia Tragedy: Two Toddlers Killed by Decades-Old Grenade
A tragic accident in rural Cambodia has claimed the lives of two toddlers, Muo Lisa and her cousin Thum Yen, after they encountered an unexploded grenade believed to be over 25 years old. The deadly blast occurred in the remote village of Kranhuong, located in Siem Reap province’s Svay Leu district, an area once plagued by violent conflicts between government forces and Khmer Rouge rebels in the 1980s and 90s.
A Devastating Loss
The young children were playing near their homes while their parents worked in nearby farmland when the old ordinance detonated. Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, confirmed that the explosive was a rocket-propelled grenade. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that the parents had unknowingly settled on a former battlefield, unaware of the lurking dangers beneath the soil.
Lingering Threat of Unexploded Ordinance
Decades of war left an estimated 4 to 6 million land mines and unexploded munitions scattered across Cambodia. Despite significant demining efforts, these remnants continue to pose serious risks. Since 1998, nearly 20,000 people have lost their lives, and about 45,000 have been injured due to these hidden explosives. Although the number of casualties has declined in recent years, 49 deaths were reported last year alone.
“The war is over, but the blood of the Khmer people continues to flow due to land mines and unexploded ammunition,” Ratana stated on social media, highlighting the ongoing dangers even decades after the conflict ended.
Cambodia’s Demining Efforts & US Aid Suspension
Cambodia’s highly skilled demining teams have been recognized globally, with many deployed to conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East under UN initiatives. Earlier this month, Cambodia’s demining programs faced a setback when the United States temporarily froze $6.36 million in financial assistance covering operations from March 2022 to November 2025. However, Washington later granted a waiver, allowing the funds to be reinstated, ensuring continued efforts to clear these deadly remnants of war.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of war and the urgent need for continued demining efforts to prevent further tragedies.
News Agencies