Thailand's First Army Area Command reported that its Burapha Task Force attacked two strategically positioned buildings in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, on the afternoon of 22/12. They stated these were online scam centers and that Cambodian snipers had used them to target Thai territory.

The First Army Area Command also noted that the two buildings featured anti-drone systems, designed to counter aerial reconnaissance by unmanned aircraft.

After Thai artillery strikes, the scam groups fled the two buildings, the force indicated.

Thai military attacks two buildings in Poipet, Cambodia. Video: Thai First Army Area Command

The First Army Area Command declared the operation a necessary defensive measure, targeting military objectives to "eliminate national security threats and ensure the safety of citizens along the border."

Cambodia's Ministry of Defense announced that Poipet and other key locations across Banteay Meanchey province began to experience artillery shelling and ground attacks from morning until approximately 3 PM yesterday.

Two buildings in Poipet before the 22/12 attack. Photo: Thai First Army Area Command

Foreigners in many buildings in the area reportedly flew their national flags to avoid being targeted by the Thai military, according to the KhmerTimes newspaper.

The Cambodian army stated it held its positions and repelled Thai attacks in Banteay Meanchey. Thai forces have not commented on this information.

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand escalated on 7/12 and remains tense.

The clashes resulted in at least 41 deaths, and hundreds of thousands of civilians in both countries were evacuated from the border areas. Mediation efforts by the US and other nations have stalled, as both Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for escalating the conflict and demand a ceasefire first.

Location of Banteay Meanchey province and Cambodian provinces bordering Thailand. Graphics: BBC

Duc Trung (Based on Bangkok Post, National, Khmer Times)