Border Tensions Spike Amid Talks Between Thailand and Cambodia
As peace talks are underway, Cambodia has leveled accusations against Thailand for carrying out merciless aerial attacks. These allegations come amidst attempts to ease the prolonged border conflict between the two nations.
According to the defense ministry of Cambodia, Thai jets dropped numerous bombs near a northwestern Cambodian village, Chouk Chey, in the early morning hours. The attack resulted in significant damage to civilian residences, possessions, and public infrastructure.
Additional Attacks and Escalating Aggression
As the day progressed, reports emerged of Thai forces initiating artillery attacks in the Stung Bot area, located near the border. The Cambodian defense ministry condemned these actions as serious acts of aggression that put civilians and civilian infrastructure in harm's way. They described the attacks on Chouk Chey as notably brutal and cruel.
This surge in violence is the latest in a series of conflicts that have disrupted an expanded ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States and Malaysia in October. The fighting this month alone has reportedly taken the lives of at least 96 people, according to authorities from both nations, and has forced about a million people to leave their homes.
The Peace Talks
Defense officials from Thailand and Cambodia held their first discussions since the resurgence of conflict. However, these talks did not seem to result in any significant diplomatic progress. A spokesperson for Cambodia's Defense Ministry expressed hope that further discussions under a bilateral border committee would help in reinstating a ceasefire, stabilizing the region, and allowing displaced civilians to return home.
Additionally, the Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his aspiration for a renewed ceasefire and confirmed that the country's defense minister would participate in ongoing discussions. He emphasized the need for both nations to honor their commitments to refrain from threats, offenses, and provocations, and to reduce hostility between the two countries.
International Call for Diplomatic Resolution
The root cause of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is a territorial dispute over the division of their 800km (approximately 500-mile) border and a group of ancient temple ruins located on the frontier. Each nation blames the other for reigniting the conflict, asserting their right to self-defense while accusing each other of attacking civilians.
Concerns have been raised internationally about the escalation of violence. The United States, for instance, has offered to facilitate new talks. In a conversation with Cambodia's Prime Minister, the US Secretary of State relayed the President's desire for peace and the necessity to fully implement the peace accords signed in Kuala Lumpur. Likewise, Russia has urged both nations to resolve their dispute diplomatically.