Military analysis website Defence Blog on 14/12 published a series of images believed to show a BTR-3E1 infantry fighting vehicle abandoned by its Thai crew near the Cambodian border. Cambodian soldiers discovered the vehicle lying on its side by the roadside after clashes in the area.
The BTR-3E1 was subsequently towed to the rear by Cambodian forces. Images indicate the vehicle remained almost intact, showing no signs of heavy damage.
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Cambodian military personnel stand next to a Thai BTR-3E1 armored vehicle abandoned at the border. Photo: Defence Blog |
Cambodian military personnel stand next to a Thai BTR-3E1 armored vehicle abandoned at the border. Photo: Defence Blog
This could be the first heavy equipment seized by either side in the Cambodia-Thailand conflict.
Neither the Cambodian nor Thai armies have commented on the incident, but images of the BTR-3E1 were published by Cambodia's Khmer Times newspaper.
Thailand reported on 14/12 that at least 16 soldiers have died since the conflict re-erupted on 7/12, while Cambodia stated 12 civilians have been killed and did not disclose military casualties. Hundreds of thousands of Thai and Cambodian citizens living along the border have been forced to leave their homes for temporary shelters.
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The Thai armored vehicle is towed to the rear by Cambodian soldiers. Photo: Defence Blog |
The Thai armored vehicle is towed to the rear by Cambodian soldiers. Photo: Defence Blog
The BTR-3 is a wheeled armored personnel carrier developed by Ukraine in the early 2000s. This vehicle series is designed for infantry transport, fire support, and reconnaissance missions. The BTR-3E1 variant is equipped with a remote-controlled turret, with its main weapon being a 30 mm automatic cannon.
Thailand operates approximately 238 BTR-3 vehicles, including BTR-3E1 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-3RK anti-tank missile armored vehicles.
Thanh Danh (According to Defence Post, Nation, Khmer Times, Fresh News)
