MUNITIONS

Cambodian army engineers this weekend will detonate land mines and other unexploded ordnances (UXOs) uncovered during ongoing repair work on the national road leading to the hotly contested Preah Vihear temple, according to officials operating in the area.

Yim Phim, commander of Brigade 43, which is based around the 11th-century temple complex, said the detonations would take place in the area. He said that both Thai and Cambodian soldiers stationed along the border area had been informed of the upcoming controlled explosions to avoid instigating return fire.

Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, said demining authorities had unearthed more than 9,000 mines and 50,000 UXOs planted during the 1970s in the area around the temple.

Thai officials have planned similar detonations to take place across the border from Koh Kong province, he said.