ODDAR MEANCHEY — In a major boost to regional safety, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) officially launched a high-priority demining operation in the border province of Oddar Meanchey on Friday. The mission is supported by a US$5 million grant from the United States Department of State, reflecting a renewed commitment to humanitarian cooperation between Washington and Phnom Penh in 2026.
The initiative, titled “Saving Lives and Moving Towards Eliminating the Impact of Remnants of War in Cambodia,” is a joint partnership between CMAC and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). It aims to clear thousands of hectares of land currently contaminated by cluster munitions, aerial bombs, and other unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Strictest Safety Protocols for a Life-Saving Mission During the project’s inauguration, CMAC Director-General H.E. Heng Ratana delivered a stern message to the demining teams, emphasizing the precision required for such dangerous work. “Clearing mines is a life-threatening task that demands absolute accuracy,” Ratana stated. “Under the strategic direction of Prime Minister Hun Manet, our goal is to restore this land for our people with zero room for negligence.”
A Deepening U.S.-Cambodia Partnership The funding structure for the 18-month project demonstrates the scale of the operation:
- $4 Million: Allocated directly to CMAC for frontline clearance activities.
- $1 Million: Allocated to NPA for technical support, capacity building, and Risk Education (EORE).
- Target Area: The operation will focus on 145 villages across Oddar Meanchey where an estimated 40,000 hectares remain hazardous.
This grant is part of a larger U.S. commitment to Cambodia’s 2030 “Mine-Free” goal. By partnering with American and Norwegian experts, the Cambodian government is ensuring that border communities can finally return to farming and development without fear.
FAQ: US funding Cambodia demining 2026
The U.S. Department of State has granted $5 million to the project. This includes $4 million for CMAC’s operational clearance and $1 million for technical oversight and education by Norwegian People’s Aid.
Oddar Meanchey is one of the provinces most affected by remnants of war, including cluster bombs and unexploded ordnance. Clearing this area is essential for the safety of displaced families returning to the border.
The project aims to eliminate the impact of explosive remnants of war, restore safe land for agriculture, and support Cambodia’s national vision to be completely mine-free by 2030.
The operation is a collaboration between the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), and the United States Government.