News|ConflictNew clashes as Cambodia, Thailand hold first talks to end latest violenceInjuries reported in ongoing violence on both sides of the border ahead of negotiations over the renewed fighting.
New clashes have been reported between Thailand and Cambodia in their ongoing border dispute. Thai military sources confirmed that skirmishes occurred in the Sisaket and Surin provinces, with Thai forces responding to Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks using…
New clashes have been reported between Thailand and Cambodia in their ongoing border dispute. Thai military sources confirmed that skirmishes occurred in the Sisaket and Surin provinces, with Thai forces responding to Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks using artillery, tank fire, and drones.
In the Pha Mo I Daeng–Huai Ta Maria area of Sisaket province, one Thai soldier was injured. Thai forces retaliated, reportedly hitting over 19 Cambodian military targets. Conversely, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence stated that Thai forces conducted air attacks on Banan district in Battambang province, impacting a civilian area with four bombs. Additionally, two civilians were injured by Thai shelling in Banteay Meanchey province.
On Wednesday, defense officials from both countries commenced talks at the Ban Pakkad-Pailin border crossing. This meeting marks the first dialogue since renewed clashes erupted on December 7, resulting in over 40 fatalities and the displacement of approximately one million people. The discussions are part of the existing Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee framework, following regional efforts to resolve the conflict.
The meeting, observed by ASEAN countries, is not designed to achieve a ceasefire agreement but aims to stabilize the situation and maintain communication lines between the parties.
New clashes have been reported between Thailand and Cambodia in their ongoing border dispute.
The ongoing conflict is based on a territorial dispute involving the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km border and ancient temple ruins located at the frontier. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the recent hostilities and report self-defense actions, while also alleging attacks on civilian targets.
A Cambodian official has accused Thailand of demolishing a Hindu statue in a disputed area. The statue of Vishnu, erected in 2014, was reportedly destroyed by Thai forces. Cambodian representatives condemned the destruction of religiously significant artifacts. In response, the Thai military has not commented on the statue incident but has denied using cluster munitions against civilians, citing compliance with military necessity and proportionality principles.
The Thai military emphasized that the Convention on Cluster Munitions does not apply, as neither Thailand nor Cambodia is a signatory to the agreement.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.