Two Explosive Devices Found in Phnom Penh Safely Detonated, Removed

Bomb disposal experts conducted a controlled explosion on a device discovered near the National Assembly building in Phnom Penh on Friday morning and safely removed a second explosive device, consisting of three M-79 rifle-launched grenade shells,  from a park near the city’s Wat Phnom.

The improvised explosive  devices, which were discovered on Friday morning, did not cause any casualties or damage.

One of the devices—consisting of three M-79  shells—was found in a park near to Freedom Park.

Sok Sambath, the governor of Daun Penh district where the devices were found, said no one has claimed responsibility and authorities had no suspects yet, though he believed the motive of those who planted the devices was to “cause chaos in society.”

The discovery of the devices comes two days before the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party is scheduled to hold three days of protests in Phnom Penh to demand an impartial investigation of voting irregularities during the hotly contested July 28 national election.

The government of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who suffered a surprise loss of support in  the vote, has increasingly tightened security in Phnom Penh amid the opposition’s calls for mass peaceful protests.

Interior Minister Sar Kheng also issued a letter on Thursday denying the opposition permission for its supporters to camp in Freedom Park—the government-approved site for demonstrations—over-night during their three-day protest.

CNRP officials said they will not heed such warnings as the Constitution protects their rights to demonstrate peacefully.

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