On 26/7, the RTAF reported carrying out two airstrikes on the third day of the border conflict with Cambodia. In the first wave, F-16 fighter jets targeted Cambodian artillery positions in the Phu Ma Kua area after the RTAF received intelligence that the Cambodian side was preparing to fire.

At 4:40 p.m., the RTAF launched a second airstrike involving two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets, bombing a Cambodian command post south of Ta Moan Thom temple and a target at the nearby Ta Kwai temple.

Thai F-16 fighter jet in a photo released on 26/7. Photo: Royal Thai Air Force

The RTAF stated that these two temples were where Cambodian troops had positioned artillery to fire into Thai territory. "The airstrikes neutralized both targets, and the squadron returned to base safely," the RTAF statement said.

The Cambodian military has not commented on this information. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense accused Thai forces of deliberately targeting villages deep inside Cambodian territory on the third day of the conflict.

On 25/7, Thailand also deployed F-16 fighter jets against several targets in Cambodia, including cluster bomb attacks on two locations. Cambodia condemned this action as a violation of international law, but Thailand maintained that it only used cluster munitions against military targets and did not cause long-term harm to civilians.

Disputed areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border. Graphics: CNA

Tensions between the two countries escalated on 23/7 when Thai officials accused Cambodia of planting landmines in the disputed border area, the site of a clash in May that injured a Thai soldier.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand erupted near Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border. Thailand reported 20 fatalities, including 14 civilians and six soldiers, with dozens injured. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reported 13 deaths and at least 71 injuries.

Following a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 25/7 regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, Cambodian ambassador Chhea Keo called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the dispute. However, forces from both sides continued to clash at new locations on 26/7.

Hong Hanh (According to Nation)