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New Delhi: Tension between Thailand and Cambodia escalated on Thursday after the two countries exchanged fire on the border, killing at least 10 civilians. Ties between Thailand and Cambodia have been under strain for decades and the border conflict between the two countries has persisted for years due to vague demarcation in several areas along the 817-km border. At the heart of this dispute lies two ancient Shiva shrines - Preah Vihear Temple and Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple.
Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple, located on the border of Thailand's Surin Province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey Province, has long been a sensitive and disputed area between the two countries. While Thailand considers the temple to be located within its territory, specifically in Surin province, Cambodia claims ownership of the ancient shrine. Cambodia also filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice in May, claiming the temple is in its territory. Thailand rebutted the suit and said that it does not recognise the ICJ's jurisdiction in the matter.
The 11th-century temple of Preah Vihear has also been a point of contention between the two countries. The conflict dates back to 1962, when ICJ ruled that the temple was situated in Cambodian territory. It also ordered Thai military to pull out its military from the temple complex. However, due to its closer proximity with Thailand, the country continues to lay claim to the surrounding land.
Chronology of today's Thai-Cambodia clash
Earlier this morning, Thailand's military surveillance system spotted a drone allegedly sent by Cambodia around the Ta Muen Thom Temple this morning. The drone hovered over the temple area for some time and then disappeared.
Meanwhile, activities of six armed Cambodian soldiers were seen near the barbed fencing on the border, who were allegedly trying to enter Thai territory. Thai guards warned them but they did not retreat, according to Thailand army.
Shortly after, Cambodian forces suddenly opened fire on a Thai military post located a short distance from the Ta Muen Thom temple and manned by Thai border police. Small arms as well as mortars and grenade launchers were used in the firing, prompting Thai security forces to retaliate immediately.
Rocket attacks
Thai military claimed that Cambodia fired BM-21 rocket launchers into interior Thailand. Many of these rockets landed near a temple in Thailand's Sisaket province and some in residential areas, causing heavy damage. Several civilians were injured in this attack while some some are in critical condition.
Shortly after this, the Cambodian army launched another rocket attack in the Kap Choeng area of Surin province in Thailand. A house was directly targeted in this attack, killing three civilians and injuring some others.
Thai Air Force retaliates
In response to the escalating tension, the Thai Air Force deployed six F-16 fighter jets and carried out air strikes today afternoon, targeting two major military bases in Cambodia. The two bases were located in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear areas. The air strikes allegedly damaged Cambodian military logistics and radar units.
Total losses and current situation
So far at least 10 civilians have died in today's clash between the two countries. Around 40,000 villagers have been moved to safer places. Both countries have completely sealed the border and have indicated a cut in diplomatic relations. The situation is still tense, and the armies of both countries are on alert mode.
