Thailand wants to crush China's friend? Launches Operation 'Yuttha-Bodin' to crush Cambodia, Russia-made rockets fired by...

India.com

3 days ago

The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is getting worse. Thailand's army has now launched a major military operation called 'Operation Yutha Bodin' against Cambodia. The Thai army said this is a 'war for sacred land' and claimed that the operation's goal is to 'crush those who have entered Thai territory illegally.' According to reports, Thailand has started heavy attacks, both by ground and air on Cambodian forces under this operation. As the violent clashes entered their second day, the Thai government moved over 1 lakh (100,000) people from four border provinces to safer areas to protect them.
News agency Reuters reported that so far, 15 people have died, including 14 civilians. The situation on the border remains very tense.
The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia started early Thursday morning when both armies clashed in a disputed border area. What began as small gunfire quickly turned into heavy fighting, with rockets and large weapons being used.
Thailand's army said that Cambodian forces fired BM-21 Grad rockets and used field artillery during the attack. The Thai side also said that they are taking action as needed based on the situation.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has blamed Thailand for the violence. Cambodian officials claimed that Thai soldiers entered their territory without any reason, and in response, they acted in self-defense. Both sides are accusing each other, and the conflict is getting more serious. How dangerous is Thailand's 'Yutha Bodin' operation?
The word 'Yutha Bodin' comes from the Thai language. It means 'the ultimate war to protect the land.' Here, 'Yutha' stands for war, and 'Bodin' means holy or sacred land.
According to Thai military officials, this operation is not just a military move, it's a strong and serious response to anyone who dares to violate Thailand's land or sovereignty. The army says the operation is about defending the country, its people, and its national pride.
In their official statement, the Thai army said, 'Crush anyone who enters Thai land illegally—do it for the land, for the people, and for Thai honour.'
On Friday, fighting was reported in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces, near the border. The Thai army also said that Cambodia used heavy weapons, including artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems. The statement added that Cambodian forces kept firing rockets and bombs continuously, using powerful field weapons.
According to reports, the clash between Thailand and Cambodia is spreading across an area of about 209 kilometers.
There are at least six locations where heavy gunfire is being exchanged. This is said to be the worst fighting between the two countries in the last 13 years.
The situation got worse on Wednesday, when Thailand pulled its ambassador out of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, and also expelled Cambodia's ambassador from Bangkok. This diplomatic breakdown happened soon after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine. Thailand has blamed Cambodia for planting that landmine.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said: 'We want to resolve this peacefully, but this was a clear act of provocation. We had no choice but to protect our borders.'
This shows how tense things have become between the two nations, with both sides blaming each other and preparing for serious military action.