Thai, Cambodian troops exchange accusations of initiating clash

(MENAFN) A long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia intensified on Thursday as both nations’ forces exchanged gunfire near their shared border, according to reports and official statements from both sides. Each country accused the other of initiating the latest hostilities.

Thailand escalated the situation by deploying F-16 fighter jets in response to mounting tensions. One of the six aircraft fired into Cambodian territory and destroyed what was described as a military target.

"We have used air power against military targets as planned," Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon told reporters. The Thai military later confirmed that all aircraft returned safely after completing their mission.

On the other side, Cambodian forces responded with a counterattack early Thursday morning, as reported by the country’s Defense Ministry.

“Cambodia has always stood by its principle of resolving disputes through peaceful means,” Prime Minister Hun Manet said. “But in this situation, we have no choice but to respond with military force against the armed aggression.”

This violent escalation came just one day after a Thai soldier lost his leg to a landmine near the contested area.

Thailand’s military alleged that Cambodian forces fired on a Thai army post near the ancient Ta Muen Thom Temple, a site located in disputed territory within Thailand’s Surin province. Cambodia, however, claimed its troops were acting in self-defense after Thai soldiers allegedly crossed into its territory.

Amid the fighting, civilians were also caught in the crossfire. Two Thai villagers were killed and two others injured following a Cambodian rocket strike on a border development center in Karb Choeng district, according to Thailand’s national broadcaster.

The Thai military condemned the rocket fire, stating that two BM-21 rockets launched by Cambodian troops hit the community center at approximately 9:40 a.m. local time. Emergency teams quickly evacuated those inside.

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