A Thai F-16 fighter jet has conducted airstrikes on Cambodian military targets. These strikes followed weeks of tensions leading to clashes in the Cambodian province of Oddar Meanchey. The dangerous escalation in the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict. has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Thai civilians and one soldier.
The Thai military confirmed the deployment of six F-16s from Ubon Ratchathani province. Action took place after Cambodian forces, reportedly, launched the BM-21 rockets against Thailand. The targets were two Thai provinces, Surin and Sisaket. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri stated that fighting has spread to at least six zones. Thailand has closed crossings and evacuated civilians from over 80 villages.
Border Clashes Turn Deadly
According to Thailand’s Health Ministry, 32 civilians and 14 soldiers are wounded. While, six civilians lost their life to a shelling incident near a petrol station in Sisaket. Thai authorities condemned the Cambodian strikes near a hospital as potential war crimes. Health Minister Thepsuthin Somsak emphasized that such acts violated international humanitarian norms.
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Cambodia has not released casualty figures but has condemned Thailand’s actions. The Cambodian Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of initiating the attack. Allegedly, with drone incursions and unprovoked airstrikes. Their strongly worded statement described the Thai bombing as “brutal military aggression.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Civilian Displacement
Diplomatic relations have deteriorated rapidly. Allegedly, Cambodian forces had planted landmines that injured Thai soldiers. In response, Phnom Penh announced the withdrawal of its ambassadors.
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The conflict has triggered a humanitarian emergency. Over 40,000 civilians have fled into temporary shelters. Footages show families carrying belongings on foot. Schools have been shut down on both sides. Civil defense forces have reinforced shelters with sandbags and concrete.
Calls for De-escalation
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has requested an urgent UN Security Council session. He said that the attacks “gravely threaten regional peace.” Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, is mediating the dialogue. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says both countries have shown “willingness” to consider negotiations. China also offered to play a constructive role.
Phil Robertson of the Asia Human Rights Commission warned that “neither side wants to be seen as conceding.” He predicted the conflict may worsen before diplomacy prevails.
The roots of the dispute stretch back to colonial-era demarcations by the French. Despite periods of calm, unresolved territorial claims continue to fuel border skirmishes.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
