Cambodia alleges Thai attacks on civilians by F-16 amid border clashes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 19, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Friday accused Thai armed forces of launching new attacks on civilian areas along the border, including air raids by F-16 fighter jets.

In a statement, the ministry said Thai forces struck schools, villages and urban areas “with no clear military direction,” calling the actions violations of Cambodian sovereignty and international law.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a ministry spokesperson, said the attacks occurred Dec. 19 across Cambodia’s 4th and 5th Military Regions, which cover parts of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

In the 4th Military Region, Thai forces carried out heavy artillery fire, drone strikes and F-16 raids between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Socheata said. Specific incidents included shelling in the 333 area at 9:23 a.m., attacks on Kol Brambei at 9:50 a.m., and F-16 strikes in Pek Sbek at 3:30 p.m. Other areas reportedly remained calm.

In the 5th Military Region, attacks were reported in O’Plouk Damrei, Boeng Trokun, Phnom Prak, Chomka Kor, Prey Chan, Prasat Tbaeng and Tmar Pouk villages between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Socheata said some strikes involved “toxic gas” and cluster munitions.

The Cambodian government urged the international community to condemn what it described as Thailand’s violations of international law, demanding an immediate cease-fire and withdrawal of Thai troops.

Socheata said Cambodian forces and national police remain on high alert to protect civilians and territorial integrity, while insisting the military is acting in accordance with international law.