New Delhi: Thailand has deployed F-16 fighter jets along its border with Cambodia on Thursday, after tensions rise between the two countries. Cambodia has reportedly targeted military bases in an area near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple – located in a border area in northwestern Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Both Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for the fresh outbreak of fighting.
This comes after a Thai soldier got injured by a landmine on the border, which has led to downgrading of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and relations collapsing to the lowest in years.
Thai Army says:
According to the Thai Army, six F-16 jets were launched into Cambodia, out of which one destroyed a military target. Clashes also broke out at six other locations along the contested border. Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon told reporters “We have used air power against military targets as planned,” on Thursday.
Thailand also confirmed that all the fighter jets are back at their bases after conducting the strikes, and reported that Cambodian soldiers opened fire at a Thai military base in Surin and several rockets were fired towards Sisaket.
What did the Cambodian Defence Ministry say?
Cambodia’s defence ministry confirmed that the airstrikes conducted by Thailand have hit its territory and said it would “respond decisively.” Cambodia denounced what it described as Thailand’s “brutal, barbaric and violent military aggression,” its statement said.
“F-16 fighter jet dropped (two) bombs on the road leading to Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak Pagoda,” it said in a statement, referring to an area on Cambodia and Thailand’s disputed border. “All of these areas are within Cambodian territory.”
Thai Embassies urge citizens to leave Cambodia
The Thai Embassy in Cambodia has directed all its citizens to leave the country “as soon as possible” as the clashes are likely to intensify. “Thai citizens currently residing in Cambodia without an essential reason to remain are advised to leave the country as soon as they can do so safely,” the embassy said on Facebook.
Escalating tensions
After Thursday’s clashes, both the countries are playing the blame game and accusing one another of starting the clash. Thai Army has accused Cambodia of sending drones for surveillance and soldiers trying to open fire towards their military bases.
At least eight people killed…
Thai police has informed that at least eight people have been killed in clashes with Cambodia, and the country has accused Cambodian troops for firing two BM-21 rockets into a civilian area, which wounded three civilians.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Cambodian attacks on civilian areas continued throughout Thursday.
This comes after a Thai F-16 fighter jet dropped two bombs on a road in Cambodia, though there is no immediate information of any loss of life there yet.
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