The Thai military confirmed on 21/12/2024 that its F-16 fighter jets bombed the O Chik bridge in an airstrike on the night of 19/12/2024. This action severed a vital supply route from Cambodia's Siem Reap province to the border province of Oddar Meanchey.

Cambodia's Ministry of Defense previously reported that two Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped three bombs on the O Chik bridge, causing severe damage. The ministry highlighted that the bridge's destruction significantly disrupted the livelihoods and travel capabilities of residents in both provinces, escalating the humanitarian consequences of the border conflict.

The O Chik bridge, connecting Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces, was destroyed on the night of 19/12/2024. Photo: Cambodianess

The O Chik bridge, connecting Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces, was destroyed on the night of 19/12/2024. Photo: Cambodianess

Conversely, the Thai military argued that targeting the bridge would make it more difficult for Cambodia to move troops, weapons, and military equipment to the border. This would reduce their combat capability and enable Thai units to operate more effectively in disputed areas, including Ta Kwai temple and Hill 350 in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province.

Images released by Cambodian media showed large holes on the bridge's surface, revealing severed rebar, which prevented large vehicles from passing.

Thailand stated it used high-precision guided bombs to strike the bridge, not to completely collapse it, but to prevent heavy military vehicles like BM-21 multiple rocket launchers from crossing. Bangkok indicated that Cambodian civilians could still cross the bridge on foot or by motorcycle.

Location of the O Chik bridge, connecting Siem Reap province (yellow) and Oddar Meanchey province (red), about 70 km from the Cambodia-Thailand border. Graphic: Cambodianess

Location of the O Chik bridge, connecting Siem Reap province (yellow) and Oddar Meanchey province (red), about 70 km from the Cambodia-Thailand border. Graphic: Cambodianess

The O Chik bridge is located on National Road 68 in Chong Kal district, Oddar Meanchey province, approximately 62 km from the Chong Chom border area in Thailand's Surin province. The bridge, in use for over a decade, serves as an important link connecting Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces.

Thai officials said the bombing operation was launched after they detected Cambodia increasing the deployment of troops and equipment towards the front line via this vital route.

Cambodia's Ministry of Defense described the act as an indiscriminate attack, a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It also stated that these airstrikes challenged mediation efforts by the United States and China.

The ministry reported that fighting continued today, with Thai forces shelling Thma Daun village and the area around Ta Moan temple in Oddar Meanchey province.

Location of the border provinces of Thailand and Cambodia. Graphic: BBC

Location of the border provinces of Thailand and Cambodia. Graphic: BBC

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand re-erupted on 7/12/2024 and remains tense. Mediation efforts by the United States and other nations have made no progress, as both Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for escalating the conflict and demand the other side cease fire first.

The recent round of fighting resulted in at least 40 fatalities by 19/12/2024, including 21 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, and 18 Cambodian civilians, according to figures released by the Thai military and Cambodia's Ministry of Interior.