The Ministry of National Defence has reported that Thai military forces carried out armed attacks on locations in Cambodia’s 4th and 5th Military Regions, resulting in civilian casualties.
According to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, the Thai military continued firing throughout the night in the 5th Military Region. At 00:59 on Dec. 9, Thai forces intensified their fire in Thmar Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, killing two civilians who were travelling along National Road 56.
Since 04:45 a.m. on the same day, Thai forces have also been firing in the 4th Military Region, particularly in the Phnom Khmoach area, and have expanded their attacks to multiple locations, including Tathav, Tamone Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, Khnar Temple, Veal Intri, Phnom Khmoach, Kaul 8, Choam Te An Ses, Thmar Daun, O’Smach, Phnom Anusavory, the area in front of Keo Sikha Kirisvara Pagoda, and reportedly used chemical smoke at Ta Krabei Temple.
“The Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces continue to fully respect and implement all decisions of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to resolve this issue peacefully in accordance with international law,” the spokeswoman reaffirmed. “At the same time, we stand ready to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of the Cambodian people, and will not allow any country to illegally violate our territory under any circumstances.”
