The damaged Cambodian bridge by Thai shelling [EPA Yonhap News provided photo].
Following a previous clash in July, Thailand and Cambodia have resumed military conflicts, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation for a ceasefire.
According to Reuters and others, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense announced on the 13th local time that the Thai military has continued its bombardment, prompting them to completely close all border crossings with Thailand.
A Cambodian Ministry of Defense official did not specify how long the border would be closed, only stating that it will remain so until further notice.
AFP reported that this move comes as a response to Thailand’s continued aggressive stance, opting to fight on despite President Trump’s announcement that both countries had agreed to cease hostilities and return to a ceasefire agreement.
After recent phone conversations with Trump, neither Thai Prime Minister Anutin Chanwirakun nor Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet mentioned any agreement.
Instead, Thai Prime Minister Anutin emphasized after his call with Trump that military operations against Cambodia would continue “until we no longer feel any damage or threats to our land and people.”
As Thailand maintains a strong stance despite Trump’s intervention, the U.S. White House issued a warning to both nations to implement the peace agreement.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt stated in a declaration, “President Trump expects all parties to fully fulfill the commitments made when they signed the peace agreement last October,” adding that “those responsible will be held accountable to ensure an end to the violence and sustainable peace.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also announced plans to deploy an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) observer team to the border and said the U.S. government would conduct satellite monitoring.
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