Twenty soldiers have tragically lost their lives in an ammunition explosion at an army base in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. The blast, which also left several soldiers wounded, occurred on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep shock upon receiving the news and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
Details surrounding the incident are still unclear, as Hun Manet did not provide further information on the cause of the explosion. However, he assured that the government would cover the expenses for the funerals of those who died and offer compensation to both the deceased soldiers and the injured.
Images circulating on social media showed a one-storey building destroyed by the explosion, with smoke billowing out. Injured individuals were seen receiving treatment at a hospital, while residents from a nearby village shared images of broken windows in the aftermath of the blast.
Hun Manet, a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, recently became a four-star general before assuming the role of prime minister. He succeeded his father, Hun Sen, in office.
This tragic incident has left the nation mourning the loss of these soldiers and raises questions about the safety protocols in place at military facilities in Cambodia. The investigation into the explosion is ongoing, as the country comes to terms with this devastating loss.
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