
UN peacekeeping mission condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Central African Republic
strongly condemned a deadly attack on its Friday patrol in the country's north that killed a
Zambian peacekeeper.
The patrol, part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), came under fire from unidentified gunmen.
Two Zambian peacekeepers were seriously injured and one of them later died from his injuries,
the agency said in a statement on Saturday.
"This is the third deadly attack on MINUSCA patrols since the beginning of 2025," it said, noting the agency's head, Valentine Rugwabiza, warned that attacks on UN peacekeepers "may constitute war crimes under international law."
Rugwabiza, also the UN secretary-general's special representative for the Central African Republic, called on the country's authorities "to make every effort to identify the perpetrators of these acts so that they can be swiftly brought to justice," said the statement, extending condolences to Zambia.
The Central African Republic has recently seen a spike in serious security incidents. In separate attacks in February and March, a Tunisian and a Kenyan peacekeeper were killed.
UNI/XINHUA BM

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Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
World War III: Thailand–Cambodia border clashes escalate toward war-like situation - South East Asia in turmoil
Synopsis Thailand–Cambodia border conflict has exploded into deadly clashes, forcing over 130,000 civilians to flee and pushing the region closer to a full-blown war. With fighter jets, tanks, and rocket systems deployed, both nations are exchanging fire near disputed temples and checkpoints. Political tensions are rising fast, and world leaders are urging immediate peace. As fears grow of a larger Southeast Asian conflict, this story uncovers what triggered the violence, where the battles are happening, and what it means for the region's future. Stay informed on the unfolding crisis that's grabbing global headlines and sparking World War III fears. Southeast Asia Border Tensions Threaten Peace as deadly clashes erupt between Thailand and Cambodia, turning a long-standing dispute into a full-blown crisis. With tanks rolling in, fighter jets in the sky, and over 130,000 civilians forced to flee, the situation is spiraling fast. What started as a border standoff has now escalated into a war-like conflict near ancient temples and key checkpoints. As the world watches closely, leaders from ASEAN, the UN, and global powers are scrambling to prevent a wider war. Thailand–Cambodia border conflict has dangerously escalated, drawing attention from global powers and fueling fears of a potential war in Southeast Asia. As the death toll rises and over 130,000 civilians are evacuated, both countries have ramped up military operations near disputed territories, prompting international calls for de-escalation. With tanks, fighter jets, rocket systems, and artillery in action, what began as a localized skirmish now threatens to destabilize the entire region. Tensions reignited in late May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed near the Chang Bok checkpoint, located in the heavily contested Emerald Triangle region. This remote area—where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge—has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes. Despite a brief diplomatic lull, the situation rapidly deteriorated by July 24, when intense gunfire and artillery exchanges erupted near Ta Muen Thom, an ancient Khmer temple located along the border. What followed was a multi-front escalation involving ground troops, tanks, drones, and even airstrikes by Thai F‑16 fighter jets. The fiercest battles are occurring across 12 border checkpoints, with both sides accusing each other of violating sovereignty. The most notable flashpoints include: Ta Muen Thom Temple (disputed temple site) (disputed temple site) Choam-Khansung checkpoint Chong Chom in Surin province (Thailand) Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces (Cambodia) The temple disputes are particularly sensitive due to their cultural significance and historical claims. Both nations have militarized areas around these temples, ignoring repeated diplomatic warnings over the years. Thailand responded to the Cambodian rocket and artillery fire by launching "Operation Yuttha Bodin", a large-scale military counteroffensive involving: F‑16 airstrikes on Cambodian positions on Cambodian positions Heavy artillery shelling Deployment of tanks and infantry Drone surveillance and air support Meanwhile, Cambodia deployed BM‑21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, drones, and ground troops across key checkpoints. Thai officials accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station—a charge Cambodia denies. The human cost is rising. Thai authorities report: 14 civilians dead Dozens injured Over 130,000 evacuated from Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Sa Kaeo provinces Cambodia has reported at least one civilian death and over 4,000 people displaced in Oddar Meanchey province, with shelters being set up in border towns. Emergency services in both countries are overwhelmed. Temporary camps are struggling with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Thai officials warn that if the fighting intensifies, the number of displaced civilians could double within days. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai described the clashes as 'serious border skirmishes' but warned that they 'could develop into war' if not checked immediately. On the other hand, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken a stronger diplomatic stance, accusing Thailand of launching a premeditated attack and calling for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. In a move reflecting the severity of the situation: Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh Cambodia summoned the Thai envoy for an explanation Both countries filed diplomatic protests with the UN The rhetoric is also being amplified by former leaders. Cambodia's Hun Sen and Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra—both controversial power brokers—have traded barbs on social media and in public speeches, further inflaming nationalist sentiment. The growing tensions have alarmed neighboring countries and major world powers: ASEAN chair Malaysia urged 'maximum restraint' and offered to mediate chair Malaysia urged 'maximum restraint' and offered to mediate The United States , China , and the European Union have all issued statements supporting peaceful resolution , , and the have all issued statements supporting peaceful resolution The United Nations is preparing an emergency session to address the dispute Experts warn that without swift international mediation, the conflict may spiral out of control, especially as both militaries are fully mobilized and entrenched. The border conflict is already having severe economic fallout: Tourism has plummeted due to border closures and safety concerns Key border casinos in Poipet and O'Smach are shuttered, causing major revenue losses Trade disruptions are hurting exports and supply chains, especially in agricultural goods Major highways connecting to Cambodia have been sealed Trade in border towns like Aranyaprathet has come to a halt Thai businesses and logistics hubs are reporting delays and security risks Both countries could suffer if foreign investors begin pulling out over geopolitical instability, especially given existing concerns in the region from Myanmar's civil war and South China Sea tensions. This is not just a local or bilateral issue. Here's why it's being seen as a potential flashpoint in Southeast Asia: Geostrategic Location: The Thailand–Cambodia border sits near major trade and energy routes in the Mekong region. Military Build-Up: With advanced weaponry being used, even minor miscalculations could escalate into full-scale warfare. Refugee Risk: Mass displacement could trigger a regional refugee crisis, spilling into Laos and Vietnam. Tensions Among Aging Leaders: Political egos—particularly those of aging elites like Hun Sen and Thaksin—are adding fuel to the fire. Erosion of ASEAN Unity: The conflict is testing ASEAN's capacity to mediate and maintain regional stability. While the situation remains volatile, several outcomes are possible: ASEAN-led negotiations or UN intervention succeeds Ceasefire is brokered with international observers deployed Both sides agree to demilitarize and return to status quo Fighting escalates into declared war Broader regional instability ensues Foreign powers are drawn in—either diplomatically or militarily Right now, global attention is focused on preventing the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict from igniting a wider Southeast Asian crisis. The Thailand–Cambodia clashes mark the worst border violence in over a decade, and the situation is dangerously close to spiraling out of control. With heavy military involvement, rising civilian casualties, and political brinkmanship at play, the world watches anxiously. Whether peace prevails or war ignites may depend on what happens in the next few days—and how fast diplomacy can catch up to the gunfire. Q1: What caused the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict to escalate in 2025? A Cambodian soldier's death in May 2025 triggered the latest fighting at the disputed border. Q2: How many people have been displaced by the Thailand–Cambodia clashes? Over 130,000 civilians in Thailand and 4,000 in Cambodia have been evacuated due to the violence.


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Thailand-Cambodia border clashes: 14 Thais killed; "could lead to war," says acting Thai PM
At least 14 Thais have been killed while over 100,000 people have fled amid escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia , Bangkok said on Friday, as per local media reports. Bangkok Post cited the Thai interior ministry as saying that over 100,000 people from four border provinces of the country had been moved to nearly 300 temporary shelters, while the kingdom's health ministry announced that the death toll had risen to 14- thirteen civilians and one soldier. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Management Product Management PGDM Data Science Healthcare Cybersecurity Operations Management Public Policy Finance Design Thinking Digital Marketing Technology healthcare Leadership Data Analytics Others MCA Artificial Intelligence Project Management others Data Science CXO Degree Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that clashes with Cambodia "could develop into war", but added, "for now it remains limited to clashes." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Thailand's Royal Army has denied reports from Cambodia that it targeted an ancient Hindu Temple in the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. "The accusation by the Cambodian side that Preah Vihear Temple was damaged by the Thai attack is a clear distortion of the facts," the Thai-language statement posted on X by the military said, as per Al Jazeera. Live Events "The Royal Thai Army would like to state that the operations of the Thai military forces have a clear goal of retaliating only against the Cambodian military forces, and are not targeting civilian areas or any locations unrelated to the military operation in any way," it added. In 2013, a UN court ruled in favour of Cambodia in a long-running dispute with Thailand over the jurisdiction of land around the ancient temple, fuelling tensions between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. Exchanges of gunfire, shelling and rocket fire marked the fighting that began on July 24 in the long-disputed border areas. Both nations accused each other of starting the military clashes and have downgraded their diplomatic relations since Wednesday. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis on Friday, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging both countries to exercise maximum restraint, as per a UN spokesperson. Thailand and Cambodia have frequently clashed over their shared land border, a dispute that remains unresolved due to competing territorial claims dating back to the French colonial era. The Cambodian Senate has expressed its strongest condemnation of the "intentional and illicit military aggression" by Thailand, stating that the Thai strikes were reported to have caused widespread damage to pagodas and temples. In a statement released on July 24 late night, and citedx in the PhnomPenh Post, the Cambodian Senate said the hostile acts, which took place near the sacred temples of Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch, Ta Krabey, Mom Bei, and other locations within Cambodia's internationally recognised borders, constitute a direct violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and a grave breach of international law, including the UN Charter. It noted Cambodia's inherent right to self-defence, as stated under Article 51 of the UN Charter, adding that Cambodian armed forces acted with professionalism and restraint in exercising this right, defending national territory and the safety of Cambodian citizens. They also called upon the international community including the UN, ASEAN and "all peace-loving nations" to take urgent and decisive action in response to this grave violation. According to the Cambodian news outlet, PhnomPenh Post, there have been no official reports of casualties in Cambodia, but a 70-year-old Buddhist clergyman was reportedly killed when a Thailand F-16 fighters dropped bombs on Oddar Meanchey province's Ta Mone Senchey pagoda, in Banteay Ampil district. The US-made fighter jet also reportedly bombed a nearby health centre, Phnom Penh Post reported. Thailand's National Broadcasting Service said that the Thai government is ordering all agencies to provide urgent assistance to citizens affected by the border conflict, with schools being closed and an agricultural war room established. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN Chair, wrote on his Facebook page yesterday that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to express Malaysia's concern over rising tensions along the border. Malaysia's The Star news outlet cited Anwar as saying, "This is a very worrying matter, and tonight, I will speak to both prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia. These two countries are members of Asean and are also countries that are close to Malaysia. I have sent messages to both Prime Ministers, and I am expecting to speak to both of them tonight (via phone). "The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully enter negotiations. Peace is the only option available," Anwar was cited as saying on the sidelines of an event. In 1962, the International Court of Justice recognised Cambodian sovereignty over the temple area in a ruling that became a major irritant in the relations between the two countries. Cambodia went to court in 2011, following several military clashes that killed about 20 people. The court reaffirmed the ruling in 2013.


United News of India
8 hours ago
- United News of India
Odisha Vigilance seizes Rs 1.44 crore cash, gold from Forest Ranger
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UNI) Odisha Vigilance officials have seized approximately Rs.1.44 crore in cash, four gold biscuits, and 16 gold coins (each weighing 10 grams) from the possession of Rama Chandra Nepak, Deputy Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range in Koraput district. According to Vigilance sources, Rs.1.4 crore in cash was recovered from a concealed chamber inside Flat No. 510 of the Golden Height Residential Apartment in Jeypore town today. With this, the total cash seizure in the case has reached Rs.1.44 crore. Counting machines have been deployed, and counting is still underway. A Vigilance team comprising 6 DSPs, 5 Inspectors, 9 ASIs, and supporting staff conducted raids at six different locations linked to Nepak, acting on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Jeypore. The operation was launched following allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. So far, the recovered assets include, building constructed on ancestral land in Jeypore town, Koraput district, two flats at the Golden Height Residential Apartment, PR Petta, Jeypore town. Nepak began his career in March 1989 as a Village Forest Worker under the Social Forestry Division in Koraput. Following the merger of Social Forestry with the Territorial Forest Division, he was posted to the Jeypore Forest (Territorial) Division. He is currently serving as Deputy Ranger-cum-In-Charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range, drawing a gross monthly salary of Rs.76,880 and a net salary of Rs.69,680. Further search operation is ongoing by the vigilance team. UNI DP AAB