"UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)" Cambodia Warnings Or Dangers Tip by Rodan44

Since WWII, Cambodia has been consumed by decades of brutal war, resulting in the loss of millions of lives and extensive damage to the economy and basic infrastructure. Despite over a decade of relative peace, Cambodian people continue to be killed and maimed daily as a result of the countless number of unexploded ordance, or UXO, that remain scattered across the country. As a result, amputees are disturbingly common here.

UXO can take many forms, such as bombs, cluster bomblets, artillery and mortar shells, landmines, rockets, grenades, etc. Although there is no way to accurately measure the total number of UXO still remaining in Cambodia, it is undoubtedly in the millions. Between 1970 and 1975 alone over half a million tons of air-to-ground bombs are known to have been dropped on Cambodia.

Various government and international agencies are working diligently to clear UXO from Cambodia, but it is a slow and hazardous process. The impact of UXO both in humanitarian and development terms, is a significant constraining factor on a country struggling to overcome poverty.

Note: Cities and popular tourist sites, such as the temples of Angkor, do not pose a hazard from UXO as long as you stay on well-worn roads and paths. Do not wander into uncleared countryside or open fields!