In brief
Thailand has conducted air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia while ceasefire talks are still ongoing between the two countries. The Thai Air Force targeted a Cambodian military position, leading to accusations of indiscriminate attacks by Cambodia. The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties and displacements since its resurgence earlier this month. As defense ministers from both nations prepare to negotiate, hopes for a lasting peace are uncertain amidst the escalating violence.
Thailand carried out air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia on Friday, as officials from both sides continued talks to try to end fighting.
The Thai Air Force said it had hit a Cambodian fortified military position after civilians had left the area. Cambodia's defence ministry accused Thailand of indiscriminate attacks against civilian houses and injuring several people.
Fighting broke out again earlier this month after a fragile ceasefire in July halted five days of intense border clashes. At least 41 people have been killed and almost one million displaced since the hostilities resumed.
Both countries have blamed each other for the breakdown of the truce. Since then, fighting has spread to nearly every province along the 500-mile (800km) border.
Cambodia's defence ministry said Friday's attacks were in the north-western Banteay Meanchey province. Up to 40 bombs were dropped by F-16 fighter jets, the ministry said in a Facebook post.
Thailand said the action was aimed at controlling Nong Chan village, and was carried out efficiently and successfully. It came as Thai and Cambodian negotiators held their third day of talks at a border checkpoint. Defence ministers from both sides are due to join the discussions on Saturday.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday that once both sides agreed to each other's conditions, a ceasefire agreement could be signed. He expressed hope that this would be the last time such an agreement would be necessary, allowing people to return home safely.
The US and China are also attempting to mediate a new ceasefire. The historical dispute between Thailand and Cambodia goes back over a century, with sporadic clashes resulting in casualties on both sides.
The situation escalated dramatically earlier this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash, leading to a significant military exchange marked by air and rocket strikes.
