What Happened to 9 Cambodian Civilians in Border Fighting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nine Cambodian civilians have been killed and many others wounded in the border conflict.
- Over 127,000 people have evacuated their homes for safety.
- The Thai military has imposed a curfew in Sa Kaeo province.
- Both nations are blaming each other for the conflict's initiation.
- Humanitarian concerns are rising as the conflict continues.
Phnom Penh/Bangkok, Dec 10 (NationPress) As of noon today, nine Cambodian civilians have tragically lost their lives, with 46 others sustaining injuries amid the escalating conflict at the Cambodia-Thailand border, according to Information Minister Neth Pheaktra's update on social media.
He further revealed that over 127,000 Cambodians have been forced to evacuate their homes near the Thai border in search of safety.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defence reported that the Thai military targeted a primary school in Banteay Meanchey province, firing two shells on Wednesday afternoon, as noted by Xinhua News Agency.
In response, Thailand's military declared a curfew in four districts of Sa Kaeo province, effective immediately. The curfew is aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring safety for residents against potential threats. Locals in these districts are prohibited from leaving their homes between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am the following day.
Additionally, Thailand's Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Cambodia, advising those without essential reasons to consider departing from Cambodia amidst these tensions.
Current estimates suggest that approximately 600 to 1,200 Thai nationals remain in Cambodia.
The border conflict has reignited since Sunday, with both nations holding each other accountable for the initial hostilities and confirming losses on both sides.
In a further statement, a Cambodian military spokesperson noted that over 100,000 villagers have fled to safety as the conflict enters its fourth day. The total displaced population stands at 101,129, including vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, according to Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the Thai military has deployed heavy artillery, including F-16 fighter jets, to strike Cambodian military positions and civilian areas from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning.