Thailand has targeted Cambodia with fresh airstrikes along its disputed border, putting the Trump-backed peace plan in limbo.
The airstrikes come as both countries accused one another of violating a ceasefire deal mediated by US President Donald Trump.
According to Thailand’s military statement, the airstrikes were the result of recent border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces in which a Thai soldier was killed and four others wounded on Monday morning.
Clashes have been reported in Thailand's north-eastern Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, as well as Cambodia's northern border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
As per Thailand’s air force, they deployed aircraft to strike military targets, blaming Cambodia for mobilising cutting-edge weaponry and repositioning combat units.
"The airstrikes were highly precise and focused only on military targets near the frontline. It did not impact the civilians," Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said during a press conference, “his country never wanted violence but will use necessary means to preserve its sovereignty," as reported by the BBC.
On the other hand, Cambodia’s ministry of national defence accused Thailand for the latest escalation in the conflict. As per Cambodia’s statement, they had not retaliated yet irrespective of provocative attacks.
Thailand’s army said Cambodia fired BM-21 rockets on Thai civilian areas, but there were no casualties.
The recent eruption of conflict is the latest in the series of violence that marred both neighbours since July. At least 48 people were killed during the deadly clashes and around 300,000 were displaced.
Two months ago, a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia brokered by Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim halted the wave of clashes. The agreement also expanded between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur in October.
Despite the agreement, the tensions have continued to simmer followed by the landmine blast in November that maimed one Thai soldier. Resultantly, Thailand decided to halt the implementation of the peace pact with Cambodia.
