PHNOM PENH: Thai shelling and bombing of Cambodian territory continued for the 16th consecutive day on Dec 22, with the action centered on Military Region 5.
According to the Ministry of National Defence. The Thais employed F-16 fighter aircraft and barrages of 155mm artillery
The assaults continue against the backdrop of Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting in Malaysia.
The most severe aerial engagement occurred at 5am, when a Thai F-16 dropped four bombs on the Boeng Trakuon area in Thma Puok District, Banteay Meanchey province, according to ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata.
Simultaneously, a volume of heavy artillery was reported between 5.30am and 6.04am, with Thai forces launched approximately 20 rounds of 155mm artillery shells into Phsar Kandal commune in Poipet City.
For the first time, the Thais expanded their attacks into Malai district in Banteay Meanchey province, where 155mm rounds also targeted Ou Sralao Commune.
Throughout the early morning hours, villages such as Prey Chan and Chouk Chey in O’Chrouv district were under constant bombardment, with reports indicating repeated shelling designed to support a subsequent ground push involving infantry and tanks.
“The Thai military fired toxic gas over the area of Prey Chan village,” added Socheata.
“Despite the intensity of the F-16 strikes and the volume of artillery fire, Cambodian ground forces report they are maintaining their positions with vigilance, engaging in fierce resistance to defend the nation's territorial integrity,” she added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
