After more than 24 hours of restraint in order to uphold the ceasefire agreement and evacuate civilians to safe areas, the Cambodian armed forces have begun launching counterattacks in response to Thai forces’ aggressive operations on Cambodian territory, according to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate.
“Yesterday evening, we responded, and last night and this morning we also did,” he stated in a message posted on his official social media platforms.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen recalled that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had previously announced Thailand’s intention to use military operations to occupy 11 locations. “We are not sure where they are, so to make it simple, all branches of the Cambodian forces must strike any point from which attacks are launched against us,” he underlined.
“We defend our territory with strong trenches and all kinds of weapons, while the aggressors mobilise their forces to attack our positions. They cannot bring their trenches with them, and their heads are not covered with iron,” he said. “This situation gives us the opportunity to implement a strategy to weaken and destroy enemy forces through counterattacks.”
Referring to a recent statement by a Thai military commander who claimed that Cambodia’s defence capabilities must be destroyed long-term to ensure Thai security, Samdech Techo noted, “This statement is stronger than those of the world’s major powers in terms of weapons and armies.”
“We are not going to sit back and let you destroy us as you said,” he stressed.
The Senate President also said he is monitoring criticism directed at Cambodia. “When we defended ourselves in July, some accused Cambodia of being a warmonger. When we exercised maximum restraint and sought peaceful solutions, they accused us of being afraid of Thailand or giving up land in exchange for peace. Now that we are counterattacking in self-defence, what will they say?” he asked.
“Cambodia wants peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to defend its territory,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded.
