At least 20 soldiers were killed and several others were injured after an ammunition explosion at a base in the west of Cambodia on Saturday (Apr 27) afternoon, said the country’s Prime Minister Hun Manet.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the blast</h2>

According to Hun Manet, the blast which occurred on Saturday afternoon at an army base in Kampong Speu province also left several people injured. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.&nbsp;

Citing images from social media, news agency AFP reported that a one-storey building wreathed in smoke. Residents of a nearby village also posted images of broken windows online.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-faculty-senate-passes-resolution-over-administrative-handling-of-anti-israel-protests-715673">Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests</a>

According to local media reports, the blaze broke out at 2:30 pm (local time) at an ammunition depot in the Third Military Command in Kampong Speu province’s Chamkar Doung village.&nbsp;

The site was immediately closed to traffic and some nearby residents were&nbsp;reportedly evacuated. Local police and fire trucks intervened to extinguish the blaze and the situation was brought under control around 4:40 pm (local time), according to local media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Deeply shocked’</h2>

The Cambodian PM took to Facebook and said he was “deeply shocked” about the “explosion incident,” and expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed.&nbsp;

He also said that he has instructed the minister of national defence and the commander-in-chief of Royal Cambodian armed forces to urgently arrange funerals for the soldiers who died.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-tiktok-star-umm-fahad-shot-outside-her-home-amid-controversy-over-dancing-videos-715754">Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad shot outside her home amid controversy over dancing videos</a>

Hun Manet, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point was promoted to a four-star general before he was elected to serve as PM and succeeded his autocratic father Hun Sen.&nbsp;

<h2>US and France react</h2>

“I extend deepest condolences to the families &amp; loved ones of Royal Cambodian Army soldiers killed and all those affected by today’s tragic explosion in Kampong Speu. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” said W. Patrick Murphy, US Ambassador to Cambodia, in a post on X.&nbsp;

While the French Embassy in a statemen said, “The Embassy of France in Cambodia…is deeply saddened by the terrible explosion which took place in Kampong Speu today and took so many lives. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Government of Cambodia, the RCAF and the families of the victims."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least 20 soldiers were killed and several others were injured after an ammunition explosion at a base in the west of Cambodia on Saturday (Apr 27) afternoon, said the country’s Prime Minister Hun Manet.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and several others were injured after an ammunition explosion at a base in the west of Cambodia on Saturday (Apr 27) afternoon, said the country’s Prime Minister Hun Manet. What we know about the blast According to Hun Manet, the blast which occurred on Saturday afternoon at an army base in Kampong Speu province also left several people injured. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. Citing images from social media, news agency AFP reported that a one-storey building wreathed in smoke. Residents of a nearby village also posted images of broken windows online. Also Read | Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests According to local media reports, the blaze broke out at 2:30 pm (local time) at an ammunition depot in the Third Military Command in Kampong Speu province’s Chamkar Doung village. The site was immediately closed to traffic and some nearby residents were reportedly evacuated. Local police and fire trucks intervened to extinguish the blaze and the situation was brought under control around 4:40 pm (local time), according to local media reports. ‘Deeply shocked’ The Cambodian PM took to Facebook and said he was “deeply shocked” about the “explosion incident,” and expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed. He also said that he has instructed the minister of national defence and the commander-in-chief of Royal Cambodian armed forces to urgently arrange funerals for the soldiers who died. Also Read | Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad shot outside her home amid controversy over dancing videos Hun Manet, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point was promoted to a four-star general before he was elected to serve as PM and succeeded his autocratic father Hun Sen. US and France react “I extend deepest condolences to the families & loved ones of Royal Cambodian Army soldiers killed and all those affected by today’s tragic explosion in Kampong Speu. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” said W. Patrick Murphy, US Ambassador to Cambodia, in a post on X. While the French Embassy in a statemen said, “The Embassy of France in Cambodia…is deeply saddened by the terrible explosion which took place in Kampong Speu today and took so many lives. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Government of Cambodia, the RCAF and the families of the victims." (With inputs from agencies)

At least 20 soldiers killed, several others injured after ammunition explosion at army base in Cambodia

Cambodian opposition leader of the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha has been sentenced to 27 years in detention, on Friday (March 3). He was arrested in 2017 and found guilty after a three-year trial. The trial delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the time asked for by the government lawyers to find new evidence against the alleged crimes committed by the politician, reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;The verdict comes ahead of Cambodia’s elections which will be held in July.&nbsp;

Kem Sokha was arrested nearly six years ago over accusations of conspiring with the US to overthrow the government of incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power for at least four decades now.&nbsp;

“Kem Sokha...is sentenced to 27 years in detention&nbsp;on the charge of collusion with foreigners committed in Cambodia and other places,” said Judge Koy Sao. The judge at a municipal court in the capital city of Phnom Penh also barred the opposition figure from running for political office or voting in elections.

According to reports, Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017 in a midnight raid on his home without a warrant. Two months after his arrest, in 2018, CNPR was disbanded while the allegations against the opposition figure have since been denied by him as well as Washington, which termed them “fabricated conspiracy theories”.&nbsp;

Following the verdict, the 69-year-old was taken to his home, where he will be placed under house arrest and only allowed to meet family members, as per media reports. His lawyer,&nbsp;Ang Udom, said his legal team would appeal the verdict

Speaking to the press outside the court, the US Ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy slammed the verdict and called it a “miscarriage of justice”.&nbsp;He added, “We call on authorities to allow all Cambodians to enjoy...universal human rights of peaceful assembly and free expression and to participate in building a truly democratic system.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Cambodian opposition leader of the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha has been sentenced to 27 years in detention, on Friday (March 3). He was arrested in 2017 and found guilty after a three-year trial.

Cambodian opposition leader of the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha has been sentenced to 27 years in detention, on Friday (March 3). He was arrested in 2017 and found guilty after a three-year trial. The trial delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the time asked for by the government lawyers to find new evidence against the alleged crimes committed by the politician, reported Al Jazeera. The verdict comes ahead of Cambodia’s elections which will be held in July. Kem Sokha was arrested nearly six years ago over accusations of conspiring with the US to overthrow the government of incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power for at least four decades now. “Kem Sokha...is sentenced to 27 years in detention on the charge of collusion with foreigners committed in Cambodia and other places,” said Judge Koy Sao. The judge at a municipal court in the capital city of Phnom Penh also barred the opposition figure from running for political office or voting in elections. According to reports, Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017 in a midnight raid on his home without a warrant. Two months after his arrest, in 2018, CNPR was disbanded while the allegations against the opposition figure have since been denied by him as well as Washington, which termed them “fabricated conspiracy theories”. Following the verdict, the 69-year-old was taken to his home, where he will be placed under house arrest and only allowed to meet family members, as per media reports. His lawyer, Ang Udom, said his legal team would appeal the verdict Speaking to the press outside the court, the US Ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy slammed the verdict and called it a “miscarriage of justice”. He added, “We call on authorities to allow all Cambodians to enjoy...universal human rights of peaceful assembly and free expression and to participate in building a truly democratic system.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha charged with treason, sentenced to 27 years in detention

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has decided to change his official date of birth to the date he was actually born in order to closely align with the Chinese zodiac calendar.

Notably, he had been using the wrong date for decades.

The sudden announcement from the prime minister, who is described as extremely superstitious, came after his elder brother passed away on May 5, according to local media reports.

Hun Sen suspects that his brother's death might have been caused&nbsp;due to incorrect date of birth which also conflicts with the Chinese zodiac calendar.

His brother died of a heart attack 10 days after returning from Singapore where he received medical treatment.

Hun Sen said he had two dates of birth, one on April 4, 1951, and the other on Aug. 5, 1952, the latter of which he says is correct.

He claims that an administrative error was to blame for him using an incorrect date of birth.

The Chinese zodiac “should not be ignored,” said Hun Sen on Tuesday.

"I have discussed with Justice Minister Koeut Rith already and I will return to use my actual birth date," he said, according to Malaysia-based Star newspaper.

The prime minister said once the process of changing his date of birth is complete, he would make an announcement in public and notify to the friendly countries&nbsp;via a diplomatic note.

It is pretty common for Cambodians who are older than 50 to have two birthdays, as many lost their official records during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.

Many also altered their records to dodge military conscription throughout the 1980s, as the conflict continued to rage between the government and ousted Khmer Rouge rebels.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has decided to change his official date of birth to the date he was actually born in order to closely align with the Chinese zodiac calendar.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has decided to change his official date of birth to the date he was actually born in order to closely align with the Chinese zodiac calendar. Notably, he had been using the wrong date for decades. The sudden announcement from the prime minister, who is described as extremely superstitious, came after his elder brother passed away on May 5, according to local media reports. Hun Sen suspects that his brother's death might have been caused due to incorrect date of birth which also conflicts with the Chinese zodiac calendar. His brother died of a heart attack 10 days after returning from Singapore where he received medical treatment. Hun Sen said he had two dates of birth, one on April 4, 1951, and the other on Aug. 5, 1952, the latter of which he says is correct. He claims that an administrative error was to blame for him using an incorrect date of birth. The Chinese zodiac “should not be ignored,” said Hun Sen on Tuesday. "I have discussed with Justice Minister Koeut Rith already and I will return to use my actual birth date," he said, according to Malaysia-based Star newspaper. The prime minister said once the process of changing his date of birth is complete, he would make an announcement in public and notify to the friendly countries via a diplomatic note. It is pretty common for Cambodians who are older than 50 to have two birthdays, as many lost their official records during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Many also altered their records to dodge military conscription throughout the 1980s, as the conflict continued to rage between the government and ousted Khmer Rouge rebels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Superstitious Cambodian PM changes his birth date to avert bad luck

A prominent Cambodian political analyst known for his trenchant criticism of the government was shot dead today morning at a convenience store, police said. 
 
The daylight slaying of Kem Ley comes at a time of heightened political tensions between strongman premier Hun Sen and the country`s political opposition, who accuse the prime minister of launching a fresh crackdown against them. 
 
Police said Kem Ley, a popular commentator and grassroots campaigner, was gunned down as he drank coffee at a convenience store attached to a gas station in the capital Phnom Penh. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;He was shot dead at a mart just before 9 am,&quot; Kirt Chantharith, national police spokesman, told AFP. 
 
A suspect was arrested nearby and confessed to killing the analyst over an unpaid debt, Kirt Chantharith said. 
 
&quot;But we don`t believe him yet. We are working on this case,&quot; he added. 
 
Cambodia has a long a tragic history of rights and labour advocates being murdered with their killers rarely brought to justice. 
 
An AFP photographer at the scene said Kem Ley`s body lay in a large pool of blood below a metal table inside the convenience store. 
 
Hundreds of onlookers had gathered as police cordoned off the area. One group of women were in tears. 
 
Local media showed pictures of the alleged suspect being taken into custody. He appeared injured with blood running down the left-hand side of his face. 
 
The killing will do little to lower already simmering tensions inside the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, which has been dominated by Hun Sen for the past 31 years in a reign marred by accusations of corruption, electoral fraud and rampant rights abuses. 
 
Scores of government critics and rights workers have been arrested in recent months while others have been tied up in ongoing legal cases. 
 
Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, described the assassination as &quot;a vulgar and cruel act that is unacceptable&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;His killing will further deepen the complexity of political situation,&quot; he told AFP, adding that all sides of Cambodia`s political divide needed to remain calm.&nbsp; 
 
Britain`s ambassador in Phnom Penh Bill Longhurst said the killing was &quot;a serious loss to Cambodia&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Kem Ley was critical of both the government and opposition parties, advocating for a new era of clean politics in a notoriously corrupt nation which is expected to hold a general election in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
But the bulk of his criticism was aimed at Hun Sen`s ruling party. 
 
The Prime Minister, a former army commander who defected from the Khmer Rouge, has held power alongside a small but powerful coterie of political allies that have become enormously wealthy. 
 
A report published by Global Witness last week detailed how Hun Sen`s family alone had amassed a multi-million-dollar business empire spanning the impoverished country`s most lucrative sectors during his rule. 
 
(AFP)

Kem Ley was known for his trenchant criticism of the government

A prominent Cambodian political analyst known for his trenchant criticism of the government was shot dead today morning at a convenience store, police said. The daylight slaying of Kem Ley comes at a time of heightened political tensions between strongman premier Hun Sen and the country`s political opposition, who accuse the prime minister of launching a fresh crackdown against them. Police said Kem Ley, a popular commentator and grassroots campaigner, was gunned down as he drank coffee at a convenience store attached to a gas station in the capital Phnom Penh. "He was shot dead at a mart just before 9 am," Kirt Chantharith, national police spokesman, told AFP. A suspect was arrested nearby and confessed to killing the analyst over an unpaid debt, Kirt Chantharith said. "But we don`t believe him yet. We are working on this case," he added. Cambodia has a long a tragic history of rights and labour advocates being murdered with their killers rarely brought to justice. An AFP photographer at the scene said Kem Ley`s body lay in a large pool of blood below a metal table inside the convenience store. Hundreds of onlookers had gathered as police cordoned off the area. One group of women were in tears. Local media showed pictures of the alleged suspect being taken into custody. He appeared injured with blood running down the left-hand side of his face. The killing will do little to lower already simmering tensions inside the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, which has been dominated by Hun Sen for the past 31 years in a reign marred by accusations of corruption, electoral fraud and rampant rights abuses. Scores of government critics and rights workers have been arrested in recent months while others have been tied up in ongoing legal cases. Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, described the assassination as "a vulgar and cruel act that is unacceptable". "His killing will further deepen the complexity of political situation," he told AFP, adding that all sides of Cambodia`s political divide needed to remain calm. Britain`s ambassador in Phnom Penh Bill Longhurst said the killing was "a serious loss to Cambodia". Kem Ley was critical of both the government and opposition parties, advocating for a new era of clean politics in a notoriously corrupt nation which is expected to hold a general election in 2018. But the bulk of his criticism was aimed at Hun Sen`s ruling party. The Prime Minister, a former army commander who defected from the Khmer Rouge, has held power alongside a small but powerful coterie of political allies that have become enormously wealthy. A report published by Global Witness last week detailed how Hun Sen`s family alone had amassed a multi-million-dollar business empire spanning the impoverished country`s most lucrative sectors during his rule. (AFP)

Prominent Cambodian political analyst shot dead