US Resumes Funding, Cambodia's Demining Operations Restart

Cambodian demining operations are set to resume after the United States granted a waiver to continue funding efforts to clear unexploded munitions, which had been paused due to a previous aid freeze ordered by President Trump. Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), announced that deminers would return to work following confirmation of the funding on February 20, 2025. The aid is critical as Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of US military actions during the Vietnam War. The halt in funding had raised concerns among villagers about the safety of their children, highlighted by recent incidents of injuries from unexploded ordnance, including that of an 11-year-old boy. Despite the resumption of funding, significant challenges remain with over 1,600 square kilometers still contaminated by landmines and other munitions. CMAC officials expressed gratitude for the US government's support and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in mine clearance efforts.