Thailand confirmed that it used F-16 fighter jets to attack military targets in the disputed border area, while both sides made contradictory statements about the cause of the conflict. This development pushed bilateral tensions to the highest level since the bloody confrontation in July, directly threatening the stability of the region.
Thai Army spokesman General Winthai Suvaree accused Cambodian troops of opening fire first with infantry weapons and other firepower in the Chong An Ma and Chong Bok areas of Ubon Ratchathani province. He said the raids left one Thai soldier dead and four others injured.
In response, Thailand announced that it had deployed combat vehicles, especially F-16 fighter jets, after the Anupong base was attacked with artillery and air-dropped bullets. Thailand also accused Cambodia of using BM-21 rockets to fire at civilian areas, although there were no reports of casualties.
The Thai military announced that it was conducting an emergency evacuation operation for more than 385,000 civilians in four border districts, with more than 35,000 people having been taken to temporary shelters. In response, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the military to "act in accordance with the ongoing situation", signaling readiness for further escalation scenarios.
In stark contrast, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense issued a statement accusing the Thai military of actively attacking its positions along the border in Preah Vihear province since early morning, including using tanks to fire at the Tamone Thom temple. Phnom Penh called this a "serious violation of the peace agreement", asserting that its forces had "exercised maximum restraint" and did not return fire.
On his personal Facebook page, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen called the Thai military "aggressors" and called on Cambodian soldiers to maintain discipline: "The red line for response has been set. I call on commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly."
Source: https://congluan.vn/cang-thang-bien-gioi-thai-lan-campuchia-tai-bung-phat-nghiem-trong-10321755.html
Comment (0)