Cambodia: Blast of a weapons depot at a military base in Kampong Speu

According to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, an explosion occurred at a weapons depot at a military base in Kampong Speu province. The explosion killed 20 soldiers and injured 11 others, including soldiers and residents of neighboring villages. The blast also destroyed military vehicles, and four buildings of the base and damaged the houses of a village.
According to the Defense Ministry, the explosion was caused by a technical problem due to the displacement of old and degraded ammunition. The army spokesman said soldiers were transferring ammunition to the depot when the explosion occurred, killing 20 people instantly.
The Defense Ministry’s statement followed claims by an exiled opposition politician that the explosion was an attack.