PRES. TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.
Thailand carries out airstrikes on Cambodia border amid rising tensions
Thailand carried out airstrikes along its border with Cambodia on Monday, escalating tensions as both nations accused each other of violating a ceasefire that had paused fighting earlier this year. The renewed clashes come amid a long-standing territorial dispute that erupted into five days of combat in July, leaving dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. Efforts to maintain peace, including a truce brokered in October with U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement, have struggled to hold.
Thai authorities reported that over 50,000 people have evacuated to shelters near the border, while Cambodia confirmed residents from several villages were also relocated. The latest violence has claimed at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that Thailand does not seek conflict but will defend its sovereignty and public safety, stating in a televised address that the country will respond to violations as necessary.
The flare-up follows an exchange of fire on Sunday, during which both sides blamed the other for initiating attacks. Thai officials said Cambodian forces fired first, injuring two soldiers, while Cambodia claimed Thai troops opened fire. On Monday, Thailand deployed aircraft to target Cambodian military positions, aiming to suppress cross-border attacks. Thai artillery rounds reportedly landed near residential areas, but no civilian casualties were reported by Thai authorities. Cambodia, however, stated that four civilians were killed and nine were injured by Thai fire.
Regional leaders have urged calm, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calling for restraint and offering support to prevent further escalation. The dispute traces back centuries, with modern border disagreements rooted in a 1907 map from Cambodia’s colonial era. The contested area includes the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a longstanding point of friction despite a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling affirming Cambodian sovereignty. The current ceasefire does not resolve the deeper territorial disagreements, leaving the potential for future confrontations.
Comments
Post a Comment