A HALO Trust demining operator examines the Mk 81 bomb. Halo Trust
HALO Trust Cambodia responded to an unusual Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) call-out over the weekend, when a farmer excavating his land in Battambang province’s Samlout district discovered a Mk81 bomb.
The district is one of the most landmine contaminated areas in Cambodia, however finding large air-dropped bombs in this part of the country is rare.
HALO sub-unit commander Da No was quickly on the scene to inspect the bomb and assess its condition. At 110kg (250 lbs), a bomb of this size is extremely dangerous to locals and poses a threat to lives and homes within a 1-kilometre radius.
Thankfully, the bomb was deemed safe to move and, with the support of Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), it was removed from the farmer’s land and transported to Kampong Chhnang for disposal.
On the same day, Charles Hay, director of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), conducted a field visit to assess the activities and outcomes of mine clearance operations by the HALO Trust, which is supported by the FCDO.
The 110 kilogramme US air-dropped bomb was discovered by a farmer in Battambang province’s Samlout district. Halo Trust
The two men inspected a minefield in Siem Reap Province’s Ta Penh village, in Svay Leu district’s Khnang Phnom commune.
They were accompanied by British ambassador Dominic Williams and Uch Vantha, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, according to the CMAA.
Thuch highlighted the Cambodian government’s efforts and shared some of the contributions from friendly countries and development partners, which have led to significant achievements in mine action over the past 30 years, with the UK being a key partner.
However, he noted that Cambodia still faces a long journey in addressing remaining mine challenges.
“The FCDO’s visit to review UK assistance for Cambodia’s mine clearance aims to evaluate achievements and prepare a report for the UK government to consider continued support, with approval discussions scheduled for 2027,” explained the CMAA.
