Thailand and Cambodia reached a 72-hour cease-fire agreement on Saturday, potentially ending a 20-day border war. The brutal conflict claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. Defense ministers from both nations announced the agreement after tense negotiations. The cease-fire began at 12 p.m. Saturday.
The United States and China pressured both countries to halt the fighting. Thailand agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in July after the cease-fire concludes. Both nations committed to clearing land mines along their shared border.
Thai Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit called the truce a "testing period" for a lasting peace. The 72-hour period will be monitored.
The border region between Thailand and Cambodia has been a source of tension for decades. Disputes over territory and historical claims fuel periodic clashes. The current conflict involved heavy artillery and resulted in significant civilian displacement.
Both countries will observe the cease-fire. The success of the truce will determine future negotiations for a more permanent resolution.
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