Cambodia Accuses Thai Army of Bombing Bridge Inside Cambodian Territory
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense has accused the Thai military of bombing a concrete bridge in Cambodian territory using an F-16 fighter jet, further escalating the ongoing border conflict between the two nations.
The incident occurred late on the evening of December 19, when an F-16 fighter jet allegedly dropped two bombs on the O’ Jik Bridge, located between the Chong Kal district in Oddar Meanchey province and the Srei Snam district in Siem Reap province, near the Cambodian-Thai border.
The Cambodian Defense Ministry’s Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, confirmed the attack in a press briefing on Saturday, adding that the Thai military had also continued to fire artillery shells at several positions in Cambodia as of Saturday morning.
“This act of aggression, carried out by the Thai military using advanced weaponry, has caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and increased the already dire situation for people living near the border,” Lt. Gen. Socheata said.
The bombing of the O’ Jik Bridge is the latest in a series of attacks and hostilities that have plagued the border region since the conflict began in early December. The bridge, which serves as an important transport link in the area, was destroyed, further hindering the movement of civilians and humanitarian aid.
Rising Tensions and Civilian Casualties
The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has intensified in recent weeks, leading to numerous casualties and widespread displacement. According to the latest figures from Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, 18 Cambodian civilians have been killed, and 79 others have been injured since the fighting began. Additionally, more than 510,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas away from the conflict zone.
The Cambodian government has condemned the Thai military’s actions as blatant violations of both Cambodian sovereignty and international law. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the safety of civilians in the conflict zone, urging both nations to adhere to international norms regarding the protection of non-combatants in times of war.
The Thai military has yet to comment officially on the allegations, and diplomatic channels between the two nations remain strained.
Impact on Civilian Life and Infrastructure
The ongoing bombardments and artillery shelling have severely affected civilian life in both Cambodia and Thailand, particularly in the border regions. The destruction of vital infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, has compounded the humanitarian crisis, making it even more difficult for displaced people to access food, medical care, and other essential services.
Aid organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to the ongoing violence, while local communities are grappling with the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.
International Concerns and Calls for De-escalation
As the conflict enters its third week, the international community has grown increasingly concerned about the rising death toll and the potential for further escalation. The United Nations, along with various human rights groups, has called for an immediate ceasefire and for both governments to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
Diplomats have urged Thailand and Cambodia to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to work toward de-escalation before the situation spirals out of control.
With no clear end to the fighting in sight, both nations face growing pressure from the international community to take responsibility for their actions and work toward a peaceful resolution.
