Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying bombing in a disputed border area, amid ongoing talks between officials from both countries to ease tensions. The allegations come as delegates from the two nations are meeting for the third consecutive day to discuss ways to end the deadly clashes.
According to the Cambodian Defense Ministry, Thai forces bombed the disputed border area in Banteay Meanchey province on Friday morning, using F-16 fighter jets to drop 40 bombs between 6:08 am and 7:15 am. The attack caused significant damage to the Chok Che village.
Thai media, however, reports that Cambodian forces launched heavy attacks on Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province border area overnight, damaging several houses.
Both countries blame each other for the renewed violence, which has spread to almost all border provinces. They claim to have taken military action in self-defense, accusing each other of targeting civilians.
The latest clashes have killed over 40 people and displaced nearly 1 million people. Earlier this month, a five-day violent conflict led to a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, China, and Malaysia, which has now been breached.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had discussed the situation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, exploring ways to restore the ceasefire.Tensions Escalate Between Thailand and Cambodia Over Border Dispute