Cambodia Reports Thai Air and Artillery Strikes on Civilian Areas

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.26,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Friday accused Thailand of launching air and artillery strikes against civilian areas inside Cambodian territory, calling the operations violations of sovereignty with no clear military purpose.

The ministry said fighter jets, drones and heavy artillery were used throughout the day on Dec. 26 in Cambodia’s 4th Military Region, which covers parts of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces. Targets allegedly included Preah Vihear Temple, Phnom Kmouch, Ta Moun Temple and Srey Snom in Siem Reap.

Additional strikes were reported in the 5th Military Region, including Banteay Meanchey province. Officials said shelling and drone activity hit Poipet, Nimet, Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages between midday and mid-afternoon.

Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, a ministry spokesperson, said the attacks showed a lack of good faith in efforts to reach a peaceful resolution and accused Thai forces of opening new fronts inside Cambodian territory. She alleged that Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets, cluster munitions, toxic substances and large numbers of troops, actions she said violated the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

Cambodia said its own military operations were strictly defensive and directed only at Thai military targets, denying any attacks on civilians. The government accused Thailand of deliberately targeting civilian populations, causing deaths and injuries.

The ministry called on the international community to condemn what it described as Thailand’s violations and demanded an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Thai forces. Socheata said Cambodian armed forces and police would remain on high alert to protect civilians and the country’s territorial integrity.