Phnom Penh, 20 July 2024 – Senior Minister Kun Kim, First Vice-Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Management, confirmed that the search operation for a helicopter missing in the Cardamom Mountains of Pursat and Koh Kong provinces continues despite severe weather conditions.

Speaking to the media on July 20, 2024, Senior Minister Kun Kim explained, "During the seven-day search operation, daily challenges due to weather, rain, and fog have hindered progress. The search efforts have been largely ineffective so far, but the army is working very hard."

Senior Minister Kun Kim, who has been personally involved in the operation on behalf of the National Committee for Disaster Management, commended the Armed Forces and relevant authorities for their relentless efforts despite adverse conditions. He emphasized the ongoing mission to locate the missing helicopter and its occupants.

Furthermore, Senior Minister Kun Kim highlighted that the National Committee for Disaster Management has tasked the Secretary General with coordinating all search forces. The team has been working diligently, including transporting food supplies by air to the troops on duty.

He acknowledged that geographical and weather-related issues have complicated the search process. Nevertheless, the army and all participating forces remain determined to find the helicopter and the missing individuals.

It should be noted that, following the Prime Minister's directive and under the guidance of the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Command, the search operation for the helicopter, which lost contact in the forested area of Veal Veng District, Pursat Province, has been ongoing since July 13, 2024.

The operation is being led by key military leaders, including General Ith Sarath, Deputy Commander, Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces; General Khem Chea Sakhoeun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense; General Soeng Samnang, Deputy Commander of the Air Force; Lieutenant General Huot Chheang, Deputy Commander of the Army; Lieutenant General Seng Thearin, Deputy Commander of the 5th Army Division; and Lieutenant General Sum Samnang, Commander of the Special Forces. They are directing over 1,000 troops in the search efforts.

The search mission employs all available resources, including helicopters, drones, and infantry units, to navigate the dense forest and challenging weather conditions. The search force remains committed to operating responsibly and in accordance with regulations.

On the afternoon of July 12, 2024, a military helicopter lost contact in the Cardamom Mountains during a training flight. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia, confirmed that there were only two people on board: the captain and the pilot.