Cambodia Denies Thai Allegations of Civilian Attacks

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.15,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has rejected accusations from Thailand that Cambodian forces targeted civilian areas along the border.

In a statement Sunday, ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata called the allegations false and said they distorted the situation on the ground.

She said Cambodian operations were conducted in self‑defense and directed only at Thai military units that had violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry accused Thai forces of striking civilian areas inside Cambodia, including homes, bridges, roads, schools and hospitals. It said the attacks involved fighter jets, cluster munitions and toxic gas, killing 11 civilians — including an infant — and injuring 59 others as of Dec. 14.

Cambodia said it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and joint declarations signed with Thailand, as well as earlier bilateral accords. The ministry added that Cambodia continues to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue and international law.

The statement noted that on Dec. 7, Thai forces launched airstrikes on Cambodian territory, breaking a ceasefire that had halted fighting earlier this year.

Cambodian troops did not retaliate, the ministry said, citing full adherence to the truce brokered in Malaysia by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.