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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Bangkok/Phnom Penh, December 8 (Xinhua) — The Thai military said Monday it deployed fighter jets in response to attacks from Cambodia that killed two soldiers and wounded four. Meanwhile, a Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman said Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian forces for the second day in a row on Monday, adding that Cambodia did not fire.
According to Thai army spokesman Winthai Suwari, the incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. local time in Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district when Thai soldiers operating in the area came under attack with "supporting fire," resulting in five casualties.
The deadly clash followed another incident in the neighboring district of Chong An Ma around 5:05 a.m. local time, when Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms and weapons, forcing the Thai side to respond in accordance with the rules of engagement, the Thai Armed Forces said in a statement.
In response to the losses and what was deemed a "direct threat to national security," the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed it had launched air operations targeting Cambodian military infrastructure.
"These events have necessitated the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodia's military capabilities to the level necessary to protect national security and ensure the safety of civilians," said Thai Air Force spokesman Jakkrit Thammawichai.
On the same day, Deputy Secretary of State and spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Mali Socheata, said that at around 5:04 a.m. on Monday, Thai troops launched an attack on Cambodian forces in An Ses district of Preah Vihear province.
"They then continued to fire tanks at Tamoan Thom Temple, the 5 Makara area near Preah Vihear Temple, and the Chomka Chek area," she added. "It should be noted that this attack occurred after Thai forces had carried out numerous provocative actions over many days, especially the incident yesterday (Sunday) in the Prorlean Thamar area, with the aim of provoking clashes."
She said Cambodia "did not retaliate" during the two attacks and continued to monitor the situation vigilantly and with the utmost caution in the spirit of "respect for all previous agreements and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with international law."
In addition, she said, Cambodia has notified the ASEAN Observer Group about the incident and plans to ask it to conduct an investigation. –0–
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