Thailand Releases Pics of F-16 Jets Striking Cambodian Targets
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of violating their shared border. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over a dozen people, and the situation remains volatile. In a surprising move, Thailand has released images of its F-16 jets striking Cambodian military targets, claiming that they were responsible for shelling Thai civilian zones.
The images, which were released on Thursday, show F-16 fighter jets dropping bombs on what appears to be military installations in Cambodia. According to Thai authorities, the targets were the headquarters of Cambodia’s 8th and 9th Infantry Support Divisions, which they accuse of being involved in the shelling of Thai civilian areas.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia began in February, when a court in Phnom Penh ordered the removal of a 1,000-year-old Hindu temple, the Preah Vihear, which is located near the border between the two countries. The temple has long been a source of tension between the two nations, with Thailand claiming that it is a part of its own territory.
In response to the court’s decision, Thailand deployed troops to the border, leading to a series of clashes with Cambodian forces. The situation has been further complicated by the fact that both sides have accused each other of violating their shared border.
On Thursday, Thailand’s military released the images of its F-16 jets striking Cambodian targets, claiming that they were necessary to protect Thai civilians from further attacks. According to Thai authorities, the jets dropped bombs on the headquarters of Cambodia’s 8th and 9th Infantry Support Divisions, which they accuse of being involved in the shelling of Thai civilian areas.
The images were released as part of a statement by the Thai military, which claimed that the strikes were a necessary response to the attacks on Thai civilians. “The Royal Thai Air Force has conducted air strikes on the headquarters of the 8th and 9th Infantry Support Divisions of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces,” the statement read. “This action was taken in response to the continuous shelling of Thai civilian areas by the Cambodian military.”
The statement went on to claim that the Cambodian military had been using its forces to attack Thai civilians, and that the strikes were necessary to protect Thai lives. “The Royal Thai Air Force has been tasked with protecting the lives and property of Thai citizens, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to do so,” the statement read.
Cambodia has denied any involvement in the shelling of Thai civilian areas, and has accused Thailand of conducting aggressive military operations on its territory. According to Cambodian authorities, the strikes by the Thai military have resulted in the deaths of several civilians, and have caused significant damage to infrastructure.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has raised concerns about the stability of the region, with many fearing that the situation could escalate into a full-blown war. The United Nations has called for both sides to exercise restraint and to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
In the meantime, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of violating their shared border. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over a dozen people, and continues to escalate, with no end in sight.
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