Somdech Hun Sen releases recordings of plot detailing drone assassination’s method
Senate President Hun Sen released two audio clips containing information about the terrorist plot to assassinate him and his family in Takhmao City, Kandal province.
The audio clips were made public yesterday, following Mr Hun Sen’s revelation that he and his family were targeted in a planned drone attack.
“We know who their leader is and where he is. But we haven’t released it yet because we need to get rid of violent extremists first,” he said.
The clips were recordings of two people discussing the use of drones, loaded with fuel instead of pesticides for agriculture use, to attack Mr Hun Sen’s residence in Takhmao city.
Mr Hun Sen revealed on February 11 that terrorists have been planning a drone attack on his residence in Takhmao city in recent weeks with the intent to kill him.
He disclosed the terrorist plot publicly during the inauguration of a school building at Wat Preah In Samak Dham in Ang Snuol district, Kandal province.
“Does a country that boasts of being democratic and respecting human rights support such acts and allow these people to stay in it?” Mr Hun Sen inquired.
Mr Hun Sen said that he was waiting to see which political parties and politicians will come forward to condemn or keep silent or support such acts?” he said.
“I would like to announce that I will eliminate anyone who wants to kill me and my family,” Mr Hun Sen said.
He released two video clippings, the first before his announcement of the plot in Kandal province and the second after he had done so.
Mr Hun Sen stated that he had learned about the plot in advance through a secret voice message and urged foreigners to be cautious about supporting any terrorist activities.
“There is a plot to attack Takhmao by drones. You want to kill me. This is terrorism, and I ask foreigners to be careful not to support terrorist activities,” he said.
Although he did not identify people behind the plot, his revelation comes amid opposition groups abroad announcing the formation of a government in exile and inciting efforts to overthrow the government.
Mr Hun Sen also called on foreigners not to interfere in Cambodia’s internal affairs as the nation works to manage its national security.
The plots have drawn widespread condemnation from both the military and police forces.
General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, issued a statement strongly condemning the planned drone attack on the residence of Mr Hun Sen.
“This plot is a terrorist act that attempts to assassinate the nation’s top leaders in order to drag Cambodia into a new era of social chaos and war,” Gen Pisen said. “We strongly condemn and oppose all acts of terrorism committed by illegal rebel groups.”
National Police Chief General Sar Thet also issued a statement strongly condemning the planned drone attack on the residence of Mr Hun Sen as an attempt to destabilise the country.
Thong Mengdavid, a geopolitical analyst and professor at the Institute of International Relations and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, believes extremist groups remain determined to disrupt peace and security in Cambodia.
He noted that these groups have become more aggressive recently, even planning a drone attack on the residence of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now the President of the Senate, in Takhmao city, with the aim of assassinating him.
Mengdavid stated that such actions violate political ethics in a democratic society.
He also highlighted the troubling reality that these extremist groups receive foreign support, often using human rights and democracy promotion as a guise.
He noted that the Government should be vigilant, particularly regarding airstrikes, as modern technology, including drones and AI, poses significant risks.
He also called for the expedited creation of a terrorism law, enabling Cambodia to cooperate internationally in apprehending and investigating those plotting terrorist acts on its soil.
Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the revelation of the drone attack plot reflects the ongoing efforts of extremist groups to destabilise the government, even attempting to target Mr Hun Sen’s family.
Peou praised Mr Hun Sen as a political leader who has contributed to peace in ASEAN and beyond, and ensures stability and harmony for Cambodia.
Peou urged the Government to take decisive legal action against those attempting to overthrow the government, emphasising that a drone attack is a clear criminal offence.
He called for an investigation to uncover those behind the plot, warning that failure to address this threat could lead to greater insecurity and exacerbate political issues, as targeting the leader is an attack on the country’s stability.
