Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodia on Monday, reigniting hostilities that threaten to dismantle a fragile peace agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump just two months ago. A new surge of violence recently broke out after hostilities flared along the Indo-Pakistani borders, particularly Kashmir. Just earlier in the day, a mortar attack had resulted in the heroic death of a second Thai soldier.
The resumption of hostilities marks a dramatic departure in relations between the traditionally close-knit countries. Only weeks earlier, they had agreed to an expanded humanitarian ceasefire declaration in Kuala Lumpur. Trump and the then-Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were present for the ceremony. The intent was to bring regional peace after a tumultuous string of clashes.
When a border patrol vehicle hit a landmine, injuring seven Thai soldiers, things escalated quickly. In retaliation, Thailand chose to stop all advances on implementing the peace agreement. In an effort to protect civilians from the rapidly increasing violence, the government has evacuated 70% of Thai civilians living in border communities. Tragically, at least one civilian has been killed in the process of evacuation. Authorities claimed that this death was the result of a “pre-existing medical condition.”
Cambodia kicked off its latest incursion about 3 a.m. local time Monday, attacking Thai positions. In reaction to earlier attacks, Thailand staged air assault operations against bases providing military assistance for the Khmer Rouge along the Chong An Ma Pass. Cambodian forces had previously employed artillery and mortars against Thai units garrisoned at Anupong Base.
“The target was at Cambodia’s arms supporting positions in the area of Chong An Ma Pass, because those targets had used artilleries and mortar launchers to attack the Thai side at Anupong Base, resulting in one soldier killed and two soldiers injured,” – Thai Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree.
The Cambodian military blamed Thailand for provoking the fighting. They say their forces were responding in self defense after multiple provocations by Thai soldiers.
“It should be noted that this attack occurred after the Thai forces engaged in numerous provocative actions for many days,” – Cambodian army.
Even amid the recent flare up, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense reiterated that nation’s desire to resolve conflicts amicably. They stated that their forces did not retaliate during the initial assaults and continue to monitor the situation with caution.
“Standing on the spirit of respecting all previous agreements and resolving conflicts peacefully according to international law, Cambodia did not retaliate at all during the two assaults and continues to monitor the situation vigilantly and with utmost caution,” – Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense.
