BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand carried out airstrikes Monday along its disputed border with Cambodia as both sides blamed the other for the attack first.
Tensions have been rising since the Southeast Asian neighbors signed a truce deal in October launched by U.S. President Donald Trump after their territorial disputes led to five days of fighting in July that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead.
Thai army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari said Cambodian troops were the first to fire into Thai territory in several areas. He said one Thai soldier was killed and four others were wounded and civilians were being evacuated from the affected areas.
Thailand used the planes “to strike military targets in several areas to suppress fire attacks by Cambodian support,” he said.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Mali Socheata said the Thai military was the first to attack Cambodian troops. She said Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial attacks on Monday.
“Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostile acts that threaten peace and stability in the region,” she said.
A US-brokered ceasefire that ended the short-lived conflict came under threat last month after Thai troops were injured by landmines. Both sides continue to trade accusations of responsibility, although they are supposed to be cooperating in clearing the mines.
In mid-November, Trump said he had stopped the war between the two as tensions grew.
