Cambodia Accuses Thailand of 'Ruthless' Airstrikes Amid Border Talks

Cambodia has accused Thai forces of conducting severe aerial attacks on its territory, even as both nations engage in talks to resolve their longstanding border dispute. According to Cambodia's defense ministry, Thai fighter jets dropped numerous bombs near the northwestern village of Chouk Chey early Friday morning, resulting in significant damage to civilian homes and public infrastructure.

Later that morning, Thai forces reportedly launched artillery attacks in the Stung Bot area near the border. The Cambodian defense ministry condemned these actions as "grave acts of aggression" that intentionally endangered civilian lives and infrastructure, describing the attacks in Chouk Chey as "exceptionally ruthless and inhumane."

This escalation follows renewed clashes that began on December 8, disrupting a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Malaysia in October. The recent fighting has resulted in at least 96 fatalities and displaced approximately one million people.

Defense officials from both countries held talks on Wednesday, marking the first meeting since the resurgence of hostilities. While no significant diplomatic breakthroughs were achieved, further discussions under a bilateral border committee are planned for Friday. Cambodia's Defense Ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, expressed hope that these talks would help re-establish a truce, bring regional stability, and allow displaced civilians to return home.

The conflict stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer border and ancient temple ruins situated along the frontier. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the renewed fighting and targeting civilians.

On Thursday, the United States expressed concern over the violence and offered to mediate new talks. In a call with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump's desire for peace and the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Russia has also encouraged both sides to seek a diplomatic resolution to the dispute.