Border Update: Cambodia Says Thai Strikes Kill Civilians in Pursat, Oddar Meanchey Amid Border Clashes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodian defense officials accused Thai forces Tuesday of launching attacks on civilian areas along the border, reporting artillery fire and airstrikes that killed seven civilians and injured 20 others.

The Ministry of National Defence said Thai troops fired 105 mm and 155 mm artillery shells at residential areas in Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, around 12:33 p.m. Earlier, at 11:40 a.m., Thai F 16 fighter jets were reported to have carried out an airstrike on Samroang City in Oddar Meanchey province.

The ministry condemned the attacks as “inhumane and brutal,” saying they violated the ceasefire agreement and the Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the ministry, said Cambodian forces were responding “in self defense in accordance with international law,” citing Article 51 of the UN Charter.

She added that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces remain committed to defending sovereignty and protecting civilians while following government directives.

Global concern is mounting as clashes intensify. The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a security alert, while other embassies and international organizations called for an immediate halt to the violence.