Ongoing Armed Clashes Between Cambodia and Thailand Lead to Evacuations

Armed confrontations are ongoing between soldiers from Cambodia and Thailand in disputed border territories, leading to significant civilian evacuations, as reported by Cambodian officials on Friday afternoon. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian defense ministry, indicated that the Thai army launched attacks on seven different locations within Cambodian provinces, including Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.

According to Socheata, the Thai forces employed military resources such as artillery, F-16 fighter jets, tanks, drone strikes, and cluster munitions in their assault. These attacks were notably directed at Cambodian villages and a local school in Oddar Meanchey, which resulted in several civilian injuries among vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, as well as extensive property damage. The escalating violence has forced a large number of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

The outbreak of hostilities began on Thursday morning, with both nations leveling accusations regarding who initiated the gunfire. Met Meas Pheakdey, the deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey, reported at least one civilian fatality and five injuries resulting from artillery shelling by Thai forces. As a result, over 3,400 families near the border have been evacuated, leading to the closure of 260 educational institutions in Oddar Meanchey province. In Preah Vihear, approximately 20,000 villagers have been moved to safety as well.

In light of these events, Chum Sounry, spokesperson for the Cambodian foreign ministry, announced that Prime Minister Hun Manet has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the ongoing border violence. This meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Friday in New York, which corresponds to 2:00 a.m. Saturday in Cambodia.