A tragic incident occurred at a military base in southwestern Cambodia, resulting in the loss of 20 soldiers' lives and injuries to many others. The Defense Ministry has confirmed that the explosion was an accident caused by a technical issue related to the handling of old and degraded ammunition during a transfer process.
The army initially suspected that the blast, which took place on Saturday, was due to mishandling of ammunition by troops. However, the Defense Ministry's investigation has ruled out any foul play, contrary to allegations made by an opposition politician-in-exile.
Following the explosion, the exiled opposition leader claimed on social media that the incident was orchestrated by an armed group of anti-government dissidents. Despite these claims, the Defense Ministry emphasized that the blast was purely accidental and warned against spreading false information that could lead to legal consequences.
According to Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Mao Phalla, the explosion occurred while soldiers were transferring ammunition into a storage facility. The blast resulted in the immediate death of 20 individuals and caused minor injuries to 11 others, including soldiers and nearby villagers who were hit by debris from the damaged building.
The aftermath of the explosion in Kampong Speu province was devastating, with military vehicles, four buildings at the base, and several homes in a nearby village being destroyed or damaged. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with handling old and degraded ammunition, highlighting the importance of stringent safety protocols in military operations.
