FILE PHOTO: Lt-Jen Zahani (front and centre, in blue), senior officers and members of the Interim Observer Team (IOT) before the latter depart for Cambodia on Sept 11, 2025, at Subang Air Base. Hun Sen has asked that the reported ceasefire violations be investigated through the IOT mechanism, which is led by Malaysia. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian acting head of state and Senate president Hun Sen held an online discussion with Prime Minister Hun Manet, proposing that Saturday’s (Sept 27) reported ceasefire violations be investigated through the Interim Observer Team (IOT) mechanism, which is led by Malaysia.
“Today, there was a ceasefire violation using mortars and machine guns,” said Hun Sen, in a September 27 social media post.
He noted that both Cambodia and Thailand have filed complaints to the IOT, with Cambodia strongly urging the mechanism to conduct an on-site inspection.
“To ensure integrity, transparency, impartiality and credibility, I suggest that the Malaysian military leadership, who chairs the IOT, along with members from Asean countries, to do two things,” he said.
According to Hun Sen, the two steps are a forensic analysis of the ammunition, since the two countries use different types, and an inspection of the bullet impact sites on the ground to determine the direction of fire.
“Did they shoot from Cambodia to Thailand or from Thailand to Cambodia? They can’t alter the bullet holes,” he said.
Hun Sen instructed the Cambodian army to preserve the bullet holes and ensure favourable conditions for IOT observers to examine them thoroughly and accurately.
“I hope the Thai side will demonstrate the same goodwill. Pure gold is not afraid of fire. Any refusal to be inspected by IOT observers would mean they are the ones responsible for firing on both Cambodian and Thai sides,” he added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
