Thailand and Cambodia Resume Border Clashes Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations
Thailand conducted air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia on Friday, targeting a Cambodian fortified military position after civilians had left the area. Cambodia's defence ministry accused Thailand of indiscriminate attacks on civilian houses, resulting in injuries to several people. Fighting between the two countries resumed earlier this month following a fragile ceasefire in July, which had halted five days of border clashes. Since hostilities resumed, at least 41 people have been killed and nearly one million displaced.
Both sides blame each other for the breakdown of the truce, with fighting spreading to nearly every province along the approximately 500-mile (800km) border. Cambodia's defence ministry reported that Friday's attacks occurred in Banteay Meanchey province, where up to 40 bombs were dropped by Thai F-16 fighter jets. Thailand stated the strike aimed to control the Nong Chan village and was carried out efficiently and successfully.
Negotiations have been ongoing for three days at a border checkpoint, with defence ministers from both nations expected to join talks on Saturday. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed hope for a ceasefire signing once conditions are agreed upon and for displaced people to return home. The United States and China are also involved in mediating efforts to establish a new ceasefire.
