Cambodia Urges 'Urgent' UNSC Meeting After Deadly Clash With Thailand
Cambodia has requested an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting after fatal cross-border fighting with Thailand. It was a letter sent by PM Hun Manet to UNSC President Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, blaming Thailand for initiating serious aggression threatening regional peace.
The Thai military reported that Cambodian incursions killed 12 and wounded 14. In retaliation, Thailand conducted airstrikes after Cambodian rockets killed a civilian. Both nations accuse one another as the ancient Emerald Triangle conflict erupts into renewed violent warfare.
The battle raged overnight as Cambodia shelled and launched rockets into Thai territory. Thailand responded by scrambling F-16 fighter jets and firing air raids. One Cambodian shell exploded in a home within Thailand, killing a civilian and injuring three others. A five-year-old boy was among the injured. Cambodia's attack was "inhumane, brutal and war-hungry," the Thai army condemned.
Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of "unprovoked military aggression" and justified its actions as indispensable. The fighting is the deadliest confrontation in years between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
The crux of the conflict is the Emerald Triangle, a disputed zone where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos share borders. The region of ancient temples and historic importance has been a focal point for decades.
Tensions flared again in May this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border firefight. The region has witnessed such bloody confrontations for decades, including a serious standoff over more than 15 years. Today, the new exchange has again attracted international attention.
In his letter, PM Hun Manet called on the Security Council to intervene to prevent what he described as Thailand's aggression. "Given the latest very serious aggressions of Thailand, which have seriously endangered peace and stability in the region, I respectfully request that you hold an emergency meeting," he stated.
His appeal is a strong diplomatic escalation, indicating Cambodia's determination to take the row to the international community.
China weighed in as well, calling on both nations to tone down. "We are concerned about the recent developments and hope both parties can properly settle issues through talks and consultations," stated foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun. The Chinese embassy has also sent out an advisory to Chinese citizens residing in Cambodia.
The lethal military engagement between Cambodia and Thailand has again revealed the vulnerability of peace in the region. In the absence of immediate diplomatic intervention, this can go even further. While the UN weighs Cambodia's appeal, all now awaits whether or not level heads will prevail.
