Explosive devices detected near Cambodian defence ministry

Bomb disposals personnel put sandbags around one of two home-made bombs found near government buildings in Phnom Penh January 2, 2009. Authorities have blamed anti-government groups for wanting to prevent people from attending next week's anniversary to mark the fall of Pol Pot's regime. REUTERS/ Chor Sokunthea

Cambodian police on Friday found explosive devices located near the National Defence Ministry and the headquarters of channel TV3 in downtown Phnom Penh.

Explosive substances were contained in mosquito-repellant spray cans and placed in the public garden in front of the ministry and on the sidewalk beside the TV headquarters.

A mine clearance group later deactivated these devices without causing any damage or casualties.

"We found them at 3pm local time (8 GMT) and have been investigating the case to catch the perpetrators," said Sao Sokha, chief of the Cambodian National Military Police.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the act.

Xinhua-VOV