SURIN (THAILAND): Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire on Friday as border clashes entered a second day. The fighting, which began Thursday in a disputed border area, is the worst between the two countries in over a decade.
Thailand’s military reported that Cambodia used artillery and BM-21 rocket systems in attacks across Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces. In response, Thai forces returned fire. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated from conflict zones in Thailand.
Thailand’s Ministry of Health reported 15 deaths, 14 of them civilians, and 46 injuries, including 15 soldiers. Cambodia has reported one civilian killed and five wounded in Oddar Meanchey province, with 1,500 families evacuated.
A Thai F-16 fighter jet was deployed on Thursday to strike a Cambodian military target. Cambodia called the move “reckless and brutal military aggression.”
The conflict flared after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy, accusing Cambodian forces of laying landmines that injured Thai soldiers. Cambodia denied the claim.
Both countries blame each other for initiating the fighting.
The United States has called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, current chair of ASEAN, said he had spoken with leaders from both countries and urged a peaceful resolution. –Reuters