Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) specialists have been deployed to begin unexploded ordnance (UXO) operations in Banteay Meanchey province after the tailfins of large bombs were found protruding from the ground.

CMAC, in collaboration with Preah Netr Preah district security forces, began inspecting the site near a flooded forest area of the Tonle Sap lake on Monday after authorities were alerted to the deadly discovery by residents of Phnom Leap commune.

Ministry of National Defence spokesman Chhum Socheat, who heads the provincial CMAC UXO clearance operations, told The Post that the unexploded bombs were more than 2m long.

Two were deeply buried with their tails protruding half a metre above the ground. It was unclear as of yet what type of bombs they were, he said.

“They may be the type of bombs dropped from aircrafts. I have never encountered such large devices before, so I photographed them and reported their discovery to CMAC headquarters in Phnom Penh for a bomb disposal team to be sent to clear them,” Socheat said.

CMAC director-general Heng Ratana told The Post on Wednesday that he had sent a group of specialists to work with those in the province and local authorities.

“Clearance of the larger bombs takes time. It cannot be done in one or two days,” he said.

Sin Rasy, Preah Netr Preah district Military Police commander, said the bombs were lying around 100m from each other.

One was found on the ground without its tail, while two others were buried with only their tails visible. The final bomb was lying in a stream in some 3m of water.

“We have marked the locations of the bombs and put up warning signs banning people from entering the area,” Rasy said.