BANGKOK (AP) — A severe escalation of military conflict unfolded along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Friday, casting a shadow over concurrent diplomatic negotiations aimed at halting hostilities that reignited in early December. This recent outbreak of violence shattered a fragile five-month ceasefire previously brokered by regional leaders.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported a significant aerial assault by Thai forces, alleging that F-16 fighter jets conducted bombing operations targeting a village within the northwestern Banteay Meanchey province. The ministry confirmed substantial damage to civilian infrastructure and residential areas, though immediate casualty figures remained unverified.
Thai military authorities acknowledged the offensive, characterizing it as a necessary joint army-air force operation to protect Thailand’s territorial integrity in the adjacent Sa Kaeo province. This region represents one of several areas where the neighboring nations maintain overlapping territorial claims, a historical point of contention that initially sparked armed conflict in late July.
The current military engagement occurs alongside continued diplomatic efforts. Military representatives from both nations conducted their third day of working-level talks through the established General Border Committee framework. These discussions, occurring at a checkpoint between Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, are anticipated to conclude Saturday with the anticipated participation of both countries’ defense ministers.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul outlined a potential path to de-escalation, indicating Thailand’s expectation for a 72-hour ceasefire from Cambodia. He suggested that successful implementation could lead to the repatriation of Cambodian prisoners of war.
The human cost of the conflict continues to mount. Thai officials report 26 military personnel and one civilian killed directly in combat since December 7th, with an additional 44 civilian deaths attributed to collateral effects. Cambodia acknowledges 30 civilian fatalities and 90 injuries but has not released official military casualty figures. The violence has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents from border regions.
International mediation efforts persist despite challenges. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously claimed successful ceasefire negotiation during December 12th calls with both leaders, though Thai authorities denied such an agreement. Current U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s readiness to facilitate peace discussions during recent communications with Cambodian leadership.
In a remarkable sidelight to the military conflict, Thai authorities reported the rescue of five malnourished wild animals—including two lions, a sun bear, and two Asiatic black bears—from a casino compound allegedly serving as a Cambodian military stronghold. The animals, transported to Thai wildlife breeding centers, arrived in time for Christmas, with the lioness named “Merry” and the lion “Christmas” to commemorate their liberation.