Thailand has initiated a series of airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, as both nations accuse each other of sparking the conflict after a period of peace established by a US-mediated treaty has been shattered.
Tensions have risen once again following the breakdown of the peace agreement signed by the two countries in October.
In July, long-standing tensions flared into violence between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in five days of intense clashes that caused casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
According to Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, Cambodian troops launched an attack on Thai territory in multiple areas, resulting in the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to four others. Civilians were evacuated from the affected regions.
Thai military aircraft targeted military installations in response to alleged Cambodian attacks on Thai territory, as reported by the Express. Maj. Suvaree confirmed the airstrikes, while Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata denied the accusations, claiming that Thailand initiated the aggression.
She emphasized that Cambodia did not retaliate and called on Thailand to halt further hostilities to restore peace in the region.
The ceasefire brokered by the US to end the recent conflict between the two countries faced challenges when Thai soldiers were injured by landmines last month.
Both sides continue to blame each other for the recent incidents, amid ongoing disputes over territorial claims near the Preah Vihear temple, Ta Moan temple, and Ta Krabey temples along their 500-mile shared border.
The territorial disputes trace back to a 1907 map from the French colonial era used to delineate Cambodia’s border with Thailand. While Cambodia asserts its territorial rights based on this map, Thailand maintains that it contains inaccuracies.