Thai shelling kills two more Cambodian civilians, raising the death toll to six as border conflict over disputed temples intensifies
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian authorities report the civilian death toll from renewed border clashes with Thailand has risen to six.
The country’s defence ministry stated Thai forces shelled Cambodian positions overnight into Tuesday in Banteay Meanchey province.
This attack killed two civilians who were travelling on National Road 56.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra confirmed at least four other civilians were killed by Thai shelling on Monday in the bordering provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
He added that around ten other civilians were wounded in Monday’s hostilities.
The Thai army has reported one soldier killed and 18 others wounded since the fresh fighting began on Sunday.
Both nations have accused the other of instigating the renewed conflict, which escalated on Monday with Thailand launching air strikes and deploying tanks.
The fighting centres on a century-old border dispute stemming from maps drawn during France’s colonial rule of the region.
Several boundary temples are claimed by both countries. – AFP
