Thailand launches airstrikes at border with Cambodia | World | News
Thailand has launched a series of airstrikes along its shared and disputed border with neighbor Cambodia, while both Asian countries have accused a US-brokered deal of drawing first blood after several months of peace.
With the ceasefire agreement signed between the two countries in October no longer valid, tensions are increasing once again.
In July, tensions escalated into aggression between the two countries, resulting in five days of clashes and chaos that proved fatal for ordinary people of both countries. Dozens of soldiers and civilians were killed.
Thai army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said that Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai territory for the first time in many areas. He said one Thai soldier was killed, four others were injured and civilians were evacuated from affected areas.
In response to the attack by Cambodian soldiers, who were the first to fire on Thai territory, he said Thai aircraft “hit military targets in various areas to suppress Cambodia-supported incendiary attacks.”
Major Suvaree claimed that the attacks took place.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata rejected claims that Thailand was accused of carrying out the initial attack.
He added that Cambodia did not retaliate and called on Thailand to bring peace back to the region by stopping all attacks.
“Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately stop all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region,” he said.
A US-brokered ceasefire that ended a brief conflict between the two countries was threatened last month when Thai soldiers were injured by landmines. Both sides continue to trade accusations about who is responsible.
As tensions between the two countries deepen, both countries need to work together to clear their shared borders of mines left over from previous conflicts.
The two share a 500-mile land border. There is conflict on the border near Preah Vihear temple, Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabey temples.
The disputed claims largely stem from a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule that was used to separate Cambodia from Thailand. While Cambodia uses the map to claim territory, Thailand argues that the map is inaccurate.
