Phnom penh: Thailand has continued its unprovoked and premeditated military aggression against Cambodia by expanding its offensive operations into areas far beyond the original conflict zone this morning.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, since July 24, Thai forces have not only targeted Cambodian military positions but have also attacked civilian facilities, including schools, pagodas, gas stations, and residential areas. These assaults have involved the use of heavy munitions, including F-16 fighter jets and cluster bombs.
‘So far, Thailand has killed five soldiers and eight civilians, and injured 21 soldiers and 50 civilians. Approximately 35,800 people in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Pursat, and Banteay Meanchey provinces have been evacuated,’ she stated during a press conference titled ‘Update on Thai Army Invasion of Cambodian Territory’ held this morning at the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh.
The spokesperson added that at 5:02 a.m. on July 26, the Thai army fired five heavy artillery shells into several locations in Ekphap village, Thmor Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province – a region far from the current conflict zone. In addition, Thailand has declared martial law in its Trat and Chanthaburi provinces, which border Cambodia’s Koh Kong and Pursat provinces, and has deployed additional troops and weapons along the border with Banteay Meanchey province.
‘These actions clearly demonstrate Thailand’s intention to expand the conflict and violate Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty,’ she stressed.