Border Update: Cambodia Says Thai Forces Fired Mortars, Launched Airstrikes

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces carried out shelling and air operations in several border areas on Dec. 17, affecting parts of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

At a briefing, ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said that between 4:45 a.m. and 3 p.m., Thai forces fired mortars at locations including Ta Sim, Koul Prambei, the Preah Vihear temple area, Ta Krabey and Chom Te.

She said Thai forces also launched what she described as a strong attack on a Cambodian military position known as Area 333. Shelling continued near Ta Krabey temple, while other nearby areas remained relatively calm, she said.

The ministry also reported incidents in Military Region Five, covering parts of Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces. Socheata said that between 6:25 a.m. and 4 p.m., Thai forces continued shelling and drone activity near O’Plok Damrei, while some surrounding areas were not affected.

Socheata reiterated that Cambodia’s actions were limited to self-defense and directed solely at Thai military targets. She denied allegations that Cambodian forces had targeted civilians.

By contrast, she accused Thai forces of deliberately attacking civilian areas, saying this had resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians, including an infant, and injuries to 77 others as of 6 p.m. on Dec. 16.

She further alleged that Thailand had used a range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, drones, heavy artillery and other munitions, and had deployed large numbers of troops inside Cambodian territory. She said these actions violated the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

The ministry called on Thailand to immediately cease military operations, stop what it described as the spread of false information, and halt attacks on civilian communities, infrastructure and historical and cultural sites.

Cambodia also urged the international community to condemn what it described as violations of existing agreements and international law, and called on Thailand to withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory.