Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Escalate as International Law is Put to the Test

Renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its fourth day, with both sides accusing one another of violating international law, as they await a promised phone call from United States President Donald Trump. Cambodias Ministry of National Defence accused the Thai military of carrying out numerous attacks within the country in the early hours of Thursday morning, including deploying tanks and artillery to strike targets in Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, and Oddar Meanchey provinces. In one such attack, the Cambodian ministry said, Thai soldiers violated international humanitarian law by firing on civilians and refugee camps. According to eyewitness accounts, the Thai military launched a series of artillery strikes on Cambodian territory, causing widespread destruction and displacement. "We were caught in the crossfire," said a woman who fled her home in Srei Snam, Siem Reap province, and sought refuge at a nearby camp. "We saw tanks and artillery moving in, and then the shooting started. We had to run for our lives." The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, added that she had seen several civilians injured in the attack. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 500,000 people, with many seeking shelter in refugee camps along the border. The Cambodian government has accused the Thai military of deliberately targeting civilian areas, while the Thai government has denied these allegations, stating that they are responding to Cambodian aggression. The situation remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations and neither side willing to back down. The conflict has its roots in a long-standing dispute over the border between the two countries. The border has been a source of tension for decades, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the area. The situation escalated in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in a series of skirmishes and artillery exchanges. The United States has offered to mediate the conflict, with President Trump promising to call both leaders to discuss a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with growing concern. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and the deployment of peacekeeping forces to the area. Human rights groups have also condemned the violence, calling for an investigation into the alleged war crimes committed by both sides. The situation remains fluid, with both sides dug in and neither willing to back down. In a statement, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence said, "We will not be intimidated by the Thai military's aggression. We will continue to defend our sovereignty and our people." The Thai government has yet to respond to the statement, but sources close to the government say that they are willing to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains tense, with both sides waiting for the promised phone call from President Trump, which is expected to take place in the coming hours.