After Cambodia's rocket attack, Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodian military targets
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared into open conflict on Thursday, July 24, as Thailand launched airstrikes on two Cambodian military targets. The Thai army confirmed that six F-16 jets from Ubon Ratchathani province carried out the strikes.As per the Thai officials, airstrikes came in response to a rocket attack from Cambodian forces that injured three Thai civilians near a contested section of the 817-kilometre shared border. The area remains largely undemarcated and has been a source of long-standing disputes.
Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire near Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple. The Thai army claimed Cambodian forces sent a drone and fired first, while Cambodia accused Thailand of being the aggressor.
The conflict follows weeks of growing diplomatic tension. On Wednesday night, July 23, Thailand expelled Cambodia's envoy from Bangkok and recalled its own ambassador.
The move came after a second Thai soldier lost a limb, reportedly due to newly planted landmines on the Thai side of the border. Cambodia has denied responsibility.
Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is also the father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet, said on Facebook that Thai forces shelled two Cambodian provinces.
In response, the Cambodian government announced it was downgrading diplomatic ties with Thailand and had begun withdrawing embassy staff from Bangkok.
Meanwhile, the Thai military denied targeting civilians, stating its actions followed defensive protocol and adhered to international law. Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh issued an urgent advisory, urging Thai nationals to leave Cambodia.
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