A massive explosion at a military base in southwestern Cambodia has left 20 soldiers dead and numerous others injured. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has been attributed to a technical issue arising from the movement of old and degraded ammunition. The Cambodian Defence Ministry stated that the explosion was an accident and not a deliberate act of aggression. This announcement followed allegations by an exiled opposition politician suggesting that the blast was an attack. Military authorities warned against spreading false information about the incident and stated that legal action may be taken against anyone found doing so.
According to army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Mao Phalla, the blast took place while soldiers were transferring ammunition to a storage facility. The explosion resulted in the immediate death of 20 soldiers, while 11 others, including military personnel and nearby villagers, sustained minor injuries from debris. Additionally, the blast caused damage to military vehicles and four buildings on the base, as well as some residences in a neighboring village.
In the aftermath of the explosion, exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy took to social media and falsely claimed that the blast had been orchestrated by an armed group of dissidents opposed to the government. However, he provided no evidence to substantiate his allegations. The Defence Ministry rebutted these claims, stating that an investigation had concluded the blast was indeed an accident. Although the ministry acknowledged the existence of extremist social media posts, it emphasized that the explosion was not the result of an attack.
The incident has highlighted concerns surrounding the safety protocols in place during the handling and transport of ammunition. The Defence Ministry’s statement has served to dispel any unfounded speculation regarding the cause of the explosion. Efforts to prevent the circulation of false information about the event have been emphasized, with the possibility of legal consequences for those spreading such falsehoods.
