Cambodia Calls for Immediate Ceasefire with Thailand Amidst Escalating Border Dispute
Fighting erupts along border, prompting urgent UN Security Council meeting
The ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has intensified, resulting in calls for an immediate ceasefire from Cambodia's envoy to the United Nations.
The dispute, rooted in a long-standing border issue, escalated into significant military engagement on Thursday, involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in response to the crisis on Friday, emphasizing the need for both parties to exercise maximum restraint and seek diplomatic solutions.
The fighting has led to casualties on both sides, with Thailand reporting over 138,000 people evacuated from border regions and 15 fatalities, including civilians and soldiers.
Cambodia has requested a ceasefire, advocating for peace in resolving the dispute.
Both countries have accused each other of initiating the conflict, with Thailand claiming that Cambodian forces targeted civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and petrol stations.
The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation warned against by both sides.
The conflict, affecting regions along their 800-kilometer border, has seen various outbreaks since 2008, leading to several deaths and displacements.
Recent tensions escalated in May following a fatal clash involving a Cambodian soldier.
As diplomatic efforts are considered, the involvement of Malaysia, currently holding the ASEAN chair, is seen as a possible avenue for resolution.