The battle between Cambodia and Thailand intensifies each day. While Thailand hurls bombs via fighter planes and cannons, Cambodia's strategic deployment of explosives means Thailand can only strike from the air without infiltrating Cambodia's borders.
The war has turned catastrophic. Initially perceived as more powerful, Thailand was startled by Cambodia's use of the Russian BM-21 rocket system. Reports reveal significant damage inflicted in Thailand, with viral images showcasing Cambodian soldiers on July 25 alongside BM-21 launchers on Ouddam Meanchey's roads.
Counter Attack with the RM-70 System
Cambodia countered Thailand's assault using the RM-70 multiple launch rocket system. On the first day, Thailand’s debut of F-16 fighters seemed daunting for Cambodia, but Cambodia's swift strategic manoeuvring stunned Thailand within 24 hours.
A New War Front in Asia
It's a fresh chapter in the history of war. As Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its third year, battles in Israel-Gaza, India-Pakistan, Israel-Iran, and Israel-Yemen continue. Now, the fierce Cambodia-Thailand clash joins this global tableau.
Relentless Rocket and Artillery Attacks on Borders
Day and night, the sounds of rockets and artillery echo along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Continuous strikes from Cambodia force people to flee, amplified by Thailand dispatching its army while Cambodia's mines stall advancement.
See Also: Bombardment on the Thai Border Continues, 27 Dead, Cambodia Urges Immediate Ceasefire
Thailand Air Force's Warning
The Thai Air Force has warned civilians to stay 20 to 40 kilometers from the border and not post military information on social media.
Thai Army Penetrates Cambodia
Thailand's forces penetrated 300 meters into Cambodia, seizing peaks during nighttime operations. Full control over the Phu Makua peak in the disputed region on the Thai-Cambodian border is now under Thai command.
Drone Retaliation
In response to Cambodia's Russian-made rockets, Thailand executed a drone strike. Thai forces claimed an assault on Cambodian arms depots near Preah Vihear Temple, evident in videos showing drone bombings at five locations.
Thailand's Counteroffensive Intensifies
Thailand has escalated its attacks, with artillery hidden among trees near the border. Highways are shut as military operations continue.
130,000 Evacuated from Border
Thailand has evacuated 130,000 people from border areas amidst heavy artillery fire at 12 locations. Regions like Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Buriram have been cleared. Thailand accuses Cambodia of targeting civilians, with reports of attacks on hospitals and residential areas.
Mines Create Major Barrier
Cambodia's strategic placement of land mines thwarts Thai forces from crossing borders. Although the Preah Vihear Temple is cited as a pretext, the real feud centers around the mines.
Explosion Near Temple, 23 Thai Soldiers Injured
On July 16, a mine exploded near the Preah Vihear Temple, injuring 23 Thai soldiers. Thailand blames Cambodia for planting fresh landmines, which Cambodia denies.
Preah Vihear Temple: Epicenter of Conflict
This 11th-century temple is at the heart of the dispute. Though the 1962 ICJ decision awarded it to Cambodia, both nations claim the surrounding 4.6 square kilometers.
Martial Law Imposed, No End in Sight
Martial law is declared in eight districts along Thailand's border, with a ceasefire not in the foreseeable future as Thailand refuses an armistice.
See Also: Amid Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute, Indian Embassy Issues Advisory, Urges Caution
500 Schools Closed, Flight Restrictions Imposed
As conflict heats up, 500 schools are shuttered. Cambodia's Civil Aviation Authority has restricted flights over the war zone, extending limits to Poipet, Pailin, and Siem Reap.
