Thai airstrike in Cambodia: Tensions peak at the border

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated dangerously. In the early hours of Thursday, following an exchange of gunfire between the forces of both countries in the disputed area, Thailand carried out an airstrike on Cambodian territory using fighter jets. According to reports, two Thai civilians have been killed in the incident.

According to a live report by the BBC, the Thai military stated on social media platform X that their F-16 fighter jets bombed a Cambodian battalion and returned safely. Al Jazeera reported that the Thai air force deployed fighter jets after two Thai civilians were killed by a rocket fired by Cambodian forces.

The Thai military claimed that their fighter jets successfully destroyed military targets inside Cambodia. They further asserted that Cambodia’s Special Military Region Commands 8 and 9 were demolished.

On the other hand, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Security issued a statement accusing Thailand of attempting to forcibly occupy Cambodian territory by deploying additional troops, using heavy weapons, and conducting airstrikes. The ministry labeled Thailand’s actions as “brutal and illegal military aggression” and “a clear violation of the UN Charter.” They also claimed that Thai fighter jets dropped two bombs on territory under Cambodian control.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described the Thai attack as an “armed assault.” On social media, he stated that while Cambodia supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict, it now has no choice but to respond with force against this armed aggression.

Meanwhile, a local official from Thailand’s Surin Province, which borders Cambodia, has reported that at least 40,000 Thai residents have been evacuated to safety from 86 villages near the border. The incident has caused widespread tension along the entire border between the two countries.