Cambodia Condemns Thailand of War Crimes, Citing F‑16 Strikes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 16, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thailand on Tuesday of continuing military attacks along their shared border, alleging the use of heavy artillery and F‑16 fighter jets inside Cambodian territory.

At a briefing, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, said Thai forces targeted civilian areas and sites of historical significance in what she described as violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty.

According to Socheata, shelling began shortly after midnight in Military Region Four. Ta Krabei Temple and Chob Angkounh village were hit around 1 a.m., followed by mortar fire at the Preah Vihear temple at about 5:30 a.m.

Additional strikes were reported later in the morning at Ta Krabei Temple, the Thma Don area and Phnom Kmoach. Other areas in the region remained calm, she said.

In Military Region Five, Socheata said Thai naval forces fired mortars into the O’Plok Damrei area shortly after midnight, with further shelling reported in Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages.

She alleged Thai infantry and armored units attempted to enter Prey Chan village and claimed toxic weapons were used there later in the morning. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Socheata rejected Thai claims that Cambodian forces had targeted civilians, saying operations were directed solely at military targets. Cambodian authorities reported at least 11 civilians killed and 59 injured in the attacks.

The government called on Thailand to halt all military actions, stop spreading false information, and refrain from targeting civilians, infrastructure and cultural sites.

“Peace can only be achieved through concrete actions, not words,” Socheata said, urging Thailand to demonstrate goodwill. She appealed to the international community to condemn alleged ceasefire violations and hold Thailand accountable, while reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to international and humanitarian law.

Cambodia reiterated its adherence to the ceasefire agreement and joint declaration signed Oct. 26, 2025, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as ASEAN’s rotating chair. The defence ministry said Cambodian forces continue to act to protect the country’s territorial integrity.