**Tragic Explosion Claims Lives of Two Toddlers in Cambodia**
A grenade, believed to be over 25 years old, tragically killed two toddlers when it exploded near their homes in rural Cambodia, according to officials. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Svay Leu district of Siem Reap province, an area that experienced intense fighting during the 1980s and 90s between Cambodian government forces and the Khmer Rouge rebels, who were ousted from power in 1979.
The victims, Muo Lisa and her cousin Thum Yen, lived in adjacent homes in the remote village of Kranhuong. Their parents were engaged in farm work when the toddlers reportedly stumbled upon the unexploded ordnance, leading to the fatal detonation.
Old unexploded munitions pose significant dangers as their explosive materials can become unstable over time. Heng Ratana, the director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, stated, “Their parents settled on land that was once a battlefield, unaware of any land mines or unexploded ordnance in the vicinity. It’s heartbreaking that they were so young and should not have lost their lives in this manner.”
During decades of conflict from 1970 to 1998, an estimated 4 to 6 million land mines and other unexploded munitions were scattered across Cambodia. Since the end of the fighting, nearly 20,000 people have died and around 45,000 have been injured due to leftover explosives, although casualties have decreased over time, with 49 deaths reported last year.
Ratana expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “The war is over, and there has been peace for more than 25 years, yet the blood of the Khmer people continues to flow because of the remnants of land mines and ammunition.”
Cambodia is home to some of the world’s most skilled deminers, and in the past decade, several thousand have been deployed under UN auspices to assist in demining efforts in Africa and the Middle East.
Earlier this month, Cambodia’s demining initiatives gained attention when U.S. financial support for operations in eight provinces was suspended due to a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance by President Donald Trump. However, Heng Ratana announced that Washington has since issued a waiver, allowing the resumption of aid amounting to $6.36 million, covering the period from March 2022 to November 2025.
