KUALA LUMPUR – At least 20 soldiers were killed and several injured in an explosion at an army base in western Cambodia, said Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The ammunition blast took place this afternoon in the Kampong Speu province, he posted on Facebook.
“I am deeply shocked to receive the news of the ammunition explosion incident.
“At the same time, I would like to provide financial support to the families of the dead soldiers with US$20,000 each and 20 million riels (approximately US$4,913) for each injured soldier.”
He also expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the government would pay for funerals and compensation.
So far, no details have been given as to what caused the explosion.
While the injured are being treated at the hospital, the one-storey army base is still smouldering, as residents shared the photos online.
Hun Manet graduated from the US military academy at West Point and was promoted to a four-star general before he was elected as prime minister.
He succeeded his autocratic father, Hun Sen. – April 27, 2024