PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) has cleared all mines in nine provinces, destroying 61,477 landmines and unexploded ordnance by 2022.

CMAC summarized the results of 2022 on 11 January 2023, saying that more than 194 square kilometers of minefields, accounting for 91.4% of the total 340 minefield areas, were cleared of mines. This is equal to 168 villages within nine provinces, which were cleared of 61,477 mines and unexploded ordnance.

The Director of CMAC, Heng Ratana, informed EAC News that "The nine provinces are Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kep, Kampot, Takeo, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Preah Sihanouk, and Svay Rieng.

According to Heng Ratana, the success of the demining mission has enabled more than 30,000 families to acquire residential and agricultural property, and has promoted local development as well as spread awareness about mines to target groups 22,765 times, accounting for more than 1,340,000 participants.

He said that CMAC plans to clear more than 268 square kilometers of minefields in 2023, with the possibility of expanding it to 300 square kilometers. CMAC will be ready to respond to urgent intervention requests from citizens to ensure social security.

CMAC is also ready to contribute by exchanging experience on mine-related topics with other countries affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance, such as Colombia, Laos, and Ukraine.