Military to mark Jan 7 on Friday

PHNOM Penh municipal authorities released a statement informing the capital’s residents that military equipment will be transported through the city today in preparation for a ‘Victory Over Genocide Day’-related military exhibition.

While the national holiday was marked on its official date, January 7, by Prime Minister Hun Sen, his son and senior military official Hun Manet will lead a three-day side event on Koh Pich starting Friday.

The statement, issued by

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, said military equipment from the Bodyguard Unit and Brigade 70 will be transported on the capital’s major thoroughfares and requested residents not to be alarmed at the deployment.

“The announcement serves as information for people to avoid confusion and surprise towards the military equipment [heading] for the exhibition event,” the statement reads.

Last year, the event included soldiers competing to carry simulated casualties to safety, as well as footraces and competitions involving the negotiation of military-style obstacle courses, with civilians invited to participate in the revelries too.

January 7 is the anniversary of the day in 1979 that Khmer Rouge defectors and Vietnamese forces ousted Pol Pot’s murderous regime from Phnom Penh.