Background
The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) functions as the government entity responsible for researching, assessing and mapping areas affected by remnants of war and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia.
The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) conducts research, assessment and mapping of areas affected by remnants of war and unexploded ordnance.
CMAC reported that 349 villages were affected and more than 640,000 civilians were evacuated, and the centre completed information research on 335 villages covering 386,880 hectares across 5,409 polygons; more than 295,096 hectares were identified as threatened by cluster munitions and over 16,000 testimonies were collected.
Key Developments
On 31 August 2026 CMAC presented an operational briefing at its Phnom Penh headquarters to the ASEAN Observer Team–Cambodia (AOT-KH) and the Military Attaché Corps Phnom Penh (MACPP). The presentation was delivered by His Excellency Heng Ratana, Director General of CMAC.
The event was attended by 37 ASEAN observers led by Commodore Glenn Z. Dizon (Head of Mission, AOT) and 16 foreign military attachés from friendly countries and ASEAN member states.
Institutional Role
CMAC’s technical assessments provide the evidentiary basis for observing, verifying and reporting tasks performed by international observer teams and support humanitarian deconfliction and clearance priorities.
The Ministry of National Defence stated that Cambodia provides full support to the AOT and emphasised strengthening the AOT mandate for on-site inspections to verify implementation of the ceasefire and to promote transparency and accountability.
Operational Implications
Unexploded ordnance and remnants of war identified by CMAC continue to present direct risks to civilian safety and livelihoods in affected areas, and the displacement figures indicate sustained humanitarian and clearance requirements.
CMAC data on affected villages, hectares and collected testimonies establishes a documented baseline for prioritising clearance, victim assistance and verification activities in post-conflict zones.
