Thailand deployed an F-16 fighter jet against Cambodian military targets on Thursday as tension boiled over after a border dispute sparked into clashes, causing nine civilians’ deaths.
The official statement from the Thai Army revealed that nine people have been killed across three districts near the border and over 14 people remain injured.
Thailand Deploys F-16 Jet Against Cambodian Military Targets
The Thai army officials confirmed that of the six F-16 fighter jets that Thailand deployed, one of the aircraft fired into Cambodia and destroyed a military target.
Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire near the ancient temple site of Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Thailand’s Surin province on Thursday morning, Firstpost reported. The Thai army accused the Cambodian forces of first sending a drone and then firing the first shots, it added.
Statement of Thai Army
Speaking to media, Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon said, “We have used air power against military targets as planned.”
In a social media post, the Thai Armu wrote, “All Thai F-16s have returned home safely and intact, after a rapid deployment to drop bombs on Cambodian battalions.”
Statement Of the Cambodia Ministry
On the other hand, Cambodian Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said, “These unlawful and irresponsible actions not only pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability but also undermine the foundation of international order,” the Khmer Times newspaper reported.
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