Thailand-Cambodia border clashes erupt with air strikes, civilian casualties
Thailand also launching air strikes on its neighbour.
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Both countries traded blame for the first clashes in weeks, which began at the flashpoint Ta Moan Thom temple in a disputed zone near Thailand's eastern frontier with
Cambodia
As fighting escalated in the remote area through Thursday morning, Thai fighter jets fired on Cambodian military positions, according to a Thai army statement. Six F-16 jets were deployed from Ubon Ratchathani province, hitting two 'Cambodian military targets on the ground', Thai army spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said.
Cambodia's defence ministry condemned what it called reckless and brutal Thai military aggression, accusing its neighbour of opening fire on its troops and violating an agreement designed to de-escalate tension.
A Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launcher is pictured in Preah Vihear province on Wednesday returning from the Cambodia-Thai border. Photo: AFP
The Thai army said in an earlier statement that Cambodia had sparked the clash by firing Soviet-era BM-21 rocket launchers into Surin province. At least two Thai soldiers were wounded, Thai army deputy spokesman Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanont told reporters.
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