Today, December 18, marks the 12th day of Thai attacks on Cambodia. The Thai military continued to escalate the ongoing conflict by deploying F-16 fighter jets, heavy artillery and toxic gas against Cambodian territory throughout the day.
This afternoon, Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata reported that Thai forces have continued their attacks across Cambodia’s 4th and 5th Military Regions, noting that the attacks violate the ceasefire and joint declaration signed by the prime ministers of both nations on October 26.
According to Socheata, in the 5th Military Region, specifically in Banteay Meanchey province, Thai forces reportedly deployed F-16 fighter jets to bomb the border town of Poipet at around 11am. Further air raids were reported at 2:32pm and again at 2:45 at in Serei Saophoan town.
In the 4th Military Region, which includes Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, the situation remains volatile. The spokesperson stated that F-16 jets bombed border areas at 10:07am. Additionally, the ministry alleged that at 10:29am, the Thai military used “toxic smoke” in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear Temple.
Ground operations reportedly ran parallel to the air campaign. From 8am to 3pm, Thai troops launched attacks on key border positions. Heavy shelling was reported in several locations, including Bang Trakoun and Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages, according to Socheata.
Thai troops continued to target the Preah Vihear Temple, Phnom Troap, and other temple areas in the southern territory with artillery and small arms fire. Reconnaissance drones were also used to violate Cambodian airspace throughout the morning.
“The defence ministry wishes to reiterate that Cambodia’s right to self-defence is solely targeted at the Thai military targets and we have never targeted a civilian area. Conversely, the Thai side has deliberately attacked locations where Cambodian civilians live,” Socheata said.
As of December 18, the civilian death toll stood at 18, including one infant. At least 79 others were injured.
“The attacks are continuing relentlessly. Our forces continue to monitor the situation closely and remain highly vigilant,” said Socheata, while calling for the international community to find ways to end the attacks on Cambodia.
