Cambodia accuses Thailand of new cross-border attacks on civilian areas

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.27,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense accused Thailand of launching fresh military attacks inside Cambodian territory, alleging the use of fighter jets, artillery and drones against civilian areas.

In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry said the strikes violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and had “no clear military objective,” claiming villages, temples and urban areas were targeted.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a ministry spokesperson, said the attacks showed a lack of good faith in efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. She accused Thai forces of opening new fronts inside Cambodian territory.

According to Socheata, the incidents took place between late Dec. 26 and the morning of Dec. 27 across Cambodia’s 4th Military Region, including parts of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces.

She said Thai forces used heavy artillery and rockets to shell areas around Preah Vihear temple, Phnom Kmouch, Kol Bram Bei, Jom Te and Ta Moun temple. Fighter jets and drones were also allegedly deployed, with some strikes reported during the early hours of Dec. 27.

The ministry said Thai infantry attempted to advance into the O’Smach area and near Ta Moun temple, while additional shelling was reported elsewhere in the region.

Further alleged attacks were reported in Cambodia’s 5th Military Region, including Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces.

The ministry said villages including Prey Chan and Chouk Chey were subjected to prolonged shelling, while drone strikes were reported near O’Plouk Damrei.

Socheata also alleged that Thai air force F-16 fighter jets carried out strikes in Banteay Meanchey province on the morning of Dec. 27.

The Cambodian government said its military actions were strictly defensive and targeted only Thai military positions.

It denied attacking civilians and accused Thailand of deliberately targeting civilian populations, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Cambodia further alleged that Thailand deployed fighter jets, drones, cluster munitions and large numbers of troops inside Cambodian territory, actions it said violated the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

The government called on the international community to condemn what it described as Thailand’s violations and demanded an immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of Thai forces.

Socheata said Cambodian armed forces and police remained on high alert to protect civilians and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.