December 9 marks the third continuous day that the Thai military has continued firing into Cambodian territory, with Thai forces reportedly expanding the battlefield to Pursat province.
Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, briefed the media this morning. She explained that Thai artillery fired “toxic smoke” rounds into Thma Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, before shelling with conventional rounds began.
“The Thai military engaged in continuous shooting activities almost throughout the night in the geography of Military Region 5, in Thma Da commune. From 04.58 to 05.25 this morning, they used large drones to fly reconnaissance missions into the Phnum Tra Ngol area, after which they fired smoke shells,” she said.
“From 05.30 to 06.10, they shelled the O’Phluk Damrei area with conventional 105mm artillery rounds. They are continuing to fire into Pursat,” she added.
Separately, in Military Region 4, which includes Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, the Thai military began firing at 04.45, targeting the Phnum Khmoch area.
They then expanded the geography of the attack to other areas, including Ta Thav, Ta Mone Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, Khnar Temple, Veal Intri, Phnum Khmoch, Koal 8, Choam Tae, An Ses, Thma Doun, O’Smach, Phnum Anousavary and in front of Wat Keo Sikha Kirisvara.
According to Socheata, they also fired “toxic smoke” at the Ta Krabei Temple.
