Phnom penh: Thai invading forces have reportedly used U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets and MK-82 bombs in their attacks targeting the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, said H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Heng Ratana described Thailand as deceitful, accusing them of misleading the United Nations about the location of the bomb drop. In a Facebook post, he expressed concern that Thailand's actions demonstrate an intention to destroy the historic site. The MK-82 bomb, weighing over 230 kilogrammes and equipped with Israeli-made guidance systems, has a target deviation of only about 10 metres.
The Director General recalled Cambodia's history with bombs, mentioning the impact of more than 3 million bombs of various types experienced in the past. He urged the international community to recognize Thailand's alleged intentions to destroy the Preah Vihear Temple. H.E. Heng Ratana emphasized that Thailand's strategy seems to be to destroy the temple if they cannot claim it.