On the morning of Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Technical Institute of Mine Action (TIMA) in Kampong Chhnang Province, a closing ceremony was held for the training course on “Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).” The event was presided over by H.E. Oum Phumro, Deputy Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and representative of H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of CMAC; Ms. Kelly Saltzman, official from the U.S. Embassy; and Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director of NPA Cambodia. This six-week training course successfully trained a total of 15 trainees (including 11 women), comprising 10 personnel from Demining Unit 5 and 5 personnel from NPA, under the instruction of specialized experts from Norway. The curriculum was meticulously organized into 29 lessons involving both theory and intensive field practice on vital skills, such as identification of various unexploded ordnance (UXO), mortar shells, aerial bombs, and demolition procedures.

Organizing this training course is part of the effort to strengthen national capacity to respond to actual operational needs, particularly along the Mekong River, where remnants of war are frequently discovered. Enhancing the skills of frontline officers not only ensures the safety of people in the community but also contributes significantly to the Royal Government's strategic goals of reducing danger and promoting national development. During the occasion, Mr Chin Bunthan, TIMA Manager, expressed pride in the results of this course. He noted that this is part of a broader human resource development mission; since 1992, the Institute has trained 44,000 trainees across 1,200 courses to move toward the goal of a mine-free Cambodia. He also expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director of NPA Cambodia, for providing his commitments, financial, and technical support. Furthermore, he extended profound thanks to the United States for providing funding to CMAC to support mine action in Demining Units 3 and 5.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Oum Phumro praised all trainees for their hard work and dedication to their studies to better fulfill their duties. He also commended the close cooperation between NPA and CMAC and expressed deep gratitude to the U.S. Government for its technical and financial support. His Excellency emphasized that skill development for UXO personnel is of paramount importance for CMAC. Additionally, CMAC is currently discussing with the U.S. Army (Pacific Command) to organize a five-year training program for EOD personnel, which is slated to begin in 2027. In response, Ms. Kelly Saltzman, stated that the United States has committed a total of $13 million for humanitarian mine action in Cambodia this year. This includes a recent $10 million package and an additional $3 million specifically for landmine clearance. This funding supports the advanced EOD training conducted by Norwegian People's Aid for the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.

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