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Airstrikes amid ongoing border conflict
Thailand conducted air raids on a contested border zone with Cambodia on Friday, targeting what it described as a fortified Cambodian military position. The strikes occurred as officials from both nations engaged in negotiations to end renewed hostilities.
Clashes reignite after fragile truce collapses
Fighting resumed earlier this month following a brief ceasefire in July, which had temporarily halted five days of intense cross-border clashes. Since then, violence has spread along nearly the entire 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier, with both sides trading blame for the breakdown of the truce.
At least 41 people have been killed, and nearly one million displaced since the latest round of hostilities began, according to reports.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of civilian harm
The Thai Air Force stated the strikes were carried out after civilians had evacuated the area, describing the operation as "efficient and successful." However, Cambodia's defense ministry condemned the attacks as "indiscriminate," alleging they struck civilian homes and injured several people.
Cambodian authorities reported that up to 40 bombs were dropped by Thai F-16 fighter jets in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey, detailing the claims in a Facebook post.
Diplomatic efforts persist amid escalation
The airstrikes coincided with the third day of negotiations between Thai and Cambodian officials at a border checkpoint. Defense ministers from both countries are expected to join the discussions on Saturday, aiming to finalize a ceasefire agreement.
"I hope this time will be the last one we'd have to sign, so that peace can occur in the area, and people can return to their homes."
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
International mediators, including the United States and China, have also been involved in efforts to broker a new ceasefire.
Decades-old dispute flares anew
The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia traces back over a century, with sporadic clashes resulting in casualties on both sides. Tensions escalated sharply in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish.
The situation deteriorated further on July 24 when a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thailand triggered retaliatory air strikes, sparking five days of heavy fighting that left dozens dead.
