Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Fresh Airstrikes
Cambodia has accused Thailand of carrying out fresh airstrikes along their shared border despite calls for restraint following an appeal by US President Donald Trump. The Cambodian government said Thai fighter jets struck areas inside Cambodian territory, escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
Claims After Truce Appeal
The allegations came hours after President Trump publicly stated that both sides had been urged to halt hostilities and pursue dialogue. However, Cambodian officials said the attacks occurred after the appeal, raising doubts about any immediate ceasefire on the ground. Phnom Penh described the strikes as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and warned that continued military action could further destabilise the region.
Thailand Responds to Allegations
Thailand has rejected the accusations, saying its military operations were defensive in nature. Thai authorities have maintained that any action taken along the border was in response to security threats and denied deliberately targeting Cambodian territory. Bangkok has also said that conditions for de-escalation have not yet been fully met.
Background of the Border Tensions
The latest exchange is part of a long-running dispute over contested border areas between the two countries. Tensions have flared intermittently in recent months, leading to military deployments, sporadic clashes, and displacement of civilians living near the border. Diplomatic efforts, including regional mediation, have so far failed to produce a lasting calm.
Regional and Civilian Impact
The renewed fighting has raised concerns among neighbouring countries and regional organisations, which have called for restraint and renewed dialogue. Civilians in border regions continue to face uncertainty, with reports of evacuations and disruptions to daily life as military activity persists.
