Cambodia's Ministry of Defense reported on 17/12 that Thai forces continued to deploy F-16 fighter jets this morning, bombing Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodia also recorded artillery attacks targeting the 5th Military Region's operational areas, including Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

By 9:40 am this morning, fierce clashes continued in Chouk Chey village, as Thailand attempted to advance infantry into Cambodian territory but failed to breach the opponent's strong defensive lines, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense stated.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) stated it dispatched F-16 fighter jets for an "urgent mission," bombing targets in Cambodian territory after detecting the opponent moving troops and heavy weapons near Ban Thmor Dar, Pursat province, opposite Thailand's Trat province.

Thai F-16 fighter jet performing a demonstration flight in March. Photo: Reuters

According to the RTAF, the airstrike was launched after receiving intelligence that Cambodian forces were preparing an attack on Thai marines to retake the strategic location of Ban Sam Lang. Thai marines claimed control of this objective since 14/12.

The Thai Air Force did not comment on reports of F-16s bombing Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province.

The airstrikes occurred two days after Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Thailand's deployment of F-16 fighter jets within Cambodian territory as "an act of disproportionate and unreasonable use of force." Phnom Penh urged Bangkok to cease using these weapons.

Cambodian officials accused Thai fighter jets of penetrating 80-90 km deep, conducting airstrikes that killed civilians in Siem Reap province, despite the province not bordering the two countries.

Cambodia stated the attacks damaged several UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, including Preah Vihear temple, and urged Thailand to end all military activities endangering civilians.

The RTAF reported on 16/12 that F-16 airstrikes deep inside Cambodian territory the day before destroyed multiple BM-21 multiple rocket launchers at an arms depot. Bangkok denied accusations that this airstrike caused Cambodian civilian casualties.

Air Force Deputy Commander for Operations Chakkrit Thammavichai emphasized that the strikes targeted only military objectives and used precision-guided weapons to achieve the goal of degrading the opponent's military capabilities.

Border provinces between Thailand and Cambodia. Graphic: BBC

Renewed clashes this month between the two countries have resulted in at least 37 deaths, including 19 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, and 17 Cambodian civilians, according to statements from the Thai military and Cambodia's Ministry of Interior as of 16/12.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians in both countries have been evacuated from the border. Mediation efforts by the US and other nations have yet to make progress, as Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for escalating the conflict and demand the other side initiate a ceasefire.

Thanh Danh (According to Khmer Times, Thai Enquirer, Khaosod)