Thailand Conducts Airstrikes Amid Ongoing Border Talks with Cambodia

Thailand conducted airstrikes on Cambodian positions along their disputed border on Friday, coinciding with ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving recent hostilities. The Thai Air Force targeted a Cambodian "fortified military position" after ensuring civilian evacuation from the area. In response, Cambodia's defense ministry accused Thailand of "indiscriminate attacks" that damaged civilian homes and injured several individuals.

The conflict, which reignited earlier this month following a fragile ceasefire in July, has resulted in at least 41 fatalities and displaced nearly one million people. Both nations have attributed the breakdown of the truce to each other, leading to widespread fighting along the 500-mile (800 km) border.

Friday's airstrikes occurred in Cambodia's northwestern Banteay Meanchey province, with up to 40 bombs dropped by F-16 fighter jets, according to the Cambodian defense ministry. Thailand stated that the operation aimed to control Nong Chan village and was "carried out efficiently and successfully."

Concurrently, Thai and Cambodian negotiators held their third day of talks at a border checkpoint, with defense ministers from both sides scheduled to join discussions on Saturday. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire agreement, stating, "I hope this time will be the last one we'd have to sign, so that peace can occur in the area, [and] people can return to their homes."

The United States and China have also been involved in mediating a new ceasefire. The longstanding dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back over a century, with sporadic clashes resulting in casualties on both sides. Tensions escalated in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to intensified fighting in July and the current resurgence of hostilities.