Cambodia on Saturday accused the Thai military of bombing a concrete bridge inside Cambodian territory, escalating the long-standing border conflict. According to Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Cambodian Defence Ministry, an F-16 fighter jet dropped two bombs on the civilian O’ Jik Bridge, located between Chong Kal district in Oddar Meanchey province and Srei Snam district in Siem Reap province.
The Cambodian Defence Ministry reported that Thai forces continued artillery shelling across multiple positions in Cambodia, causing widespread destruction. As of Saturday, official figures indicate that 18 Cambodian civilians have been killed and 79 others injured, while more than 510,000 people have fled their homes for safer areas.
The latest round of fighting, which reignited on December 7, has involved heavy weaponry, including tank-mounted machine guns, bombing drones, and F-16 jets. The provinces most affected include Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Pursat, highlighting the intensifying severity of the conflict on both civilian and military populations.
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Thailand, however, maintains that Cambodia must first declare a genuine and sustainable ceasefire before reconciliation efforts can proceed. Deputy MFA spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo emphasized that Thailand’s position has remained consistent and reiterated that cooperation in mine clearance is essential to de-escalation efforts.
The ongoing crisis has also severely affected Thai territory. According to official data, 17 Thai soldiers and 16 civilians have lost their lives, with over 260,000 individuals displaced due to artillery shelling and cross-border clashes. Both nations continue to blame each other for initiating hostilities.
Regional diplomacy is set to play a critical role as Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to attend an ASEAN foreign ministers’ special meeting on December 22. ASEAN members are coordinating attendance as international pressure mounts to restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties in the disputed border areas.
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