Phnom penh: The Cambodian armed forces have maintained a strong position amid escalating border clashes, despite Thailand's use of heavy weaponry, including fighter jets and strikes targeting some civilian facilities, said Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence. Speaking at a press conference held by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit at the Office of the Council of Ministers this afternoon, Lt. Gen. Socheata stated that Thai forces had launched attacks on eight positions in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces: Tamone Thom, Ta Krabey, Phnom Troap, Veal Intry, Ta Thav, Phnom Khmoch, O' Phka Sne, and Mom Bei.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodian forces now fully control the Ta Krabey Temple and Mom Bei area within Cambodian territory, and continue to hold a strong position at the Tamone Thom Temple complex. The spokesperson urged the Thai side to respect Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'All of Cambodia's military operations this morning were acts of self-defence,' she stressed.
She added that Cambodia will continue to respond by all necessary means to protect its sovereignty, while strictly targeting only military objectives. Regarding legal measures, H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, reaffirmed Cambodia's determination to refer the border dispute-particularly at Mom Bei, Tamone Thom, Tamone Toch, and Ta Krabey Temple complexes-to the International Court of Justice.