Thailand launched air strikes against positions on the border this Monday Cambodia After blaming Cambodian forces for the death of a soldier and the wounding of four other soldiers in a new episode of border violence, the Thai army confirmed this in a statement.
Thai military spokesman Winthai Suvareestated that the command had received reports that “Thai soldiers came under fire from Cambodian forces, killing one soldier and wounding fourHe added that Bangkok began, “Use aircraft to attack military targets in different areas”to deter what he described as hostile actions from across the border.
The answer from Cambodia came hours later. The spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Maly Socheatasaid Thai forces launched an attack against Cambodian troops in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey on Monday morning. He explained: “Cambodian forces did not respond“.
A spokesman for the provincial administration, Oddar Meanchey, reported shots fired near the temples Tamone Thom And Ta Krabeihistorical elements often mentioned in episodes of territorial tension. The official explained: “Many residents who live near the border are fleeing“.
According to the Thai military Around 35,000 people were evacuated of the towns near the dividing line as a result of the exchange of accusations and the armed clashes of the last few hours.
Bangkok authorities said the targets attacked matched “only for military infrastructure, weapons depots, command centers and combat support routes“related to activities considered to be a threat to national security.” Military reports also spoke of clashes at various points along the almost 820-kilometer-long shared border.
From Phnom Penh, officials reiterated that Thailand had caused several recent incidents and claimed that its troops had “not retaliated” against the attacks they had suffered.
On Sunday, two Thai soldiers were injured in another exchange of fire. Both countries confirmed that the incident occurred in the same area where it was recorded in July. five days of armed conflict that they left 43 dead And around 300,000 displaced peoplebefore a ceasefire comes into force.
The ceasefire was achieved through mediation USA, China And Malaysiathe latter in his role as President of the ASEAN. During the Union summit in Malaysia in October, the US President met Donald Trump signed a joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia extending the ceasefire and an offer for trade deals with Washington.
However, Bangkok suspended the agreement in November after accusing Cambodia of allegedly activating a landmine that injured several of its soldiers. This incident revived the exchange of accusations of border attacks. Cambodia subsequently claimed that a civilian had been killed in these events.
Thailand and Cambodia have a centuries-old territorial dispute over various points on their border, which was demarcated in 1907 during the French colonial administration in the region. Several ancient temples in border areas are among the sites claimed by both states and have often been a source of military and diplomatic tension.
(With information from AFP and EFE)
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