Thailand’s military strikes Cambodian targets amid cease-fire talks
December 26 (UPI) — The Thai military advanced into Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey Province after launching airstrikes on Friday morning as the two countries continued negotiations on a possible ceasefire.
Thai tanks, armored vehicles and infantry advanced towards Chouk Chey Village in O’Chrov District of Banteay Meanchey Province, located in northwestern Cambodia and along the Thai border. Khmer Times reported.
Thai F-16 warplanes dropped approximately 40 bombs on the area between 6.08am and 7.15pm local time, before the Thai army’s ground forces advanced into the area.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the airstrikes were carried out in the “most brutal and inhumane way”, destroying public infrastructure, civilians’ homes and private property.
“The above brutal actions are indiscriminate attacks by the Thai army,” Socheata said.
He called the attacks a “serious violation of international humanitarian law” and said the Cambodian army continued to fulfill its duties to defend the country’s territory.
“We will defend our dignity with courage and unwavering determination, at all costs and without succumbing to pressure or intimidation of any kind,” Socheata said.
Thai Air Force officials denied that they attacked civilians and their homes and he told the BBC He said they hit a “fortified military position” after civilians evacuated the area.
Friday’s military operations were aimed at giving Thailand control of Nong Chan village.
Meanwhile, relevant Cambodian and Thai negotiators continue to discuss a possible ceasefire, meeting for a third day at a border checkpoint and are scheduled to meet again on Saturday.
Clashes between the two countries resumed at the beginning of December, despite a ceasefire agreement being reached in July due to border disputes dating back to the early 20th century.
At least 41 people have been killed and nearly a million others displaced since renewed fighting this month along the 500-mile border separating the two countries.
The conflict began in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during clashes between opposing forces, and escalated when the Cambodian army fired rockets into Thailand on July 24.
Chinese and US officials have each tried to broker a lasting peace on the issue.
