20 Soldiers Killed in Munitions Explosion at Cambodian Army Base, Cause Unknown
Explosion at Cambodian Military Base Kills 20 Soldiers, Injures Others
Explosion at Military Base in Cambodia Kills 20 Soldiers, Injures Others
CHBAR MON, Cambodia (AP) — A massive explosion at a military base in southwestern Cambodia has left 20 soldiers dead, several others wounded, and nearby houses damaged. The incident, which occurred in the Chbar Mon district of Kompong Speu province, has raised questions about the cause of the blast and the safety of military facilities in the region.
Security around the base remains tight as guards try to keep media away from the site. Hun Manet, a prominent military figure in Cambodia, expressed his shock at the news of the explosion in a Facebook post on Saturday. The exact cause of the blast is still unknown.
Local residents were shaken by the explosion, with one villager describing the moment as terrifying. The blast was so powerful that it caused nearby houses to shake and roofs to collapse. Images from the scene show severe damage to buildings on the base and soldiers receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
According to Col. Youeng Sokhon, several buildings and military vehicles were destroyed in the explosion, and 25 villagers’ homes were damaged as well. The incident has raised concerns about the storage and handling of explosives in the region, especially during a period of high temperatures.
This is not the first time Cambodia has experienced such a tragedy. In 2005, a similar explosion at an arms depot in Battambang resulted in casualties and widespread panic. The dangers of poorly stored munitions have been highlighted in a report by the Small Arms Survey, which emphasizes the need for better safety measures.
Hun Manet has offered condolences to the families of the soldiers affected by the explosion and promised government support for funerals and compensation. The U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, W. Patrick Murphy, has also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with handling explosives and the importance of ensuring the safety of military facilities.
