"New fighting has broken out along the Thailand-Cambodia border, hours before Southeast Asian foreign ministers are due to meet in Malaysia to find a resolution to the deadly conflict between the two neighbours. The clashes early on Monday threaten to undermine diplomatic efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to revive a ceasefire deal that was first brokered in July by Malaysia and United States President Donald Trump."
"The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence on Monday accused Thailand of deploying F-16 fighter jets that dropped four bombs in the Banteay Meanchay province and of firing toxic gas in the area of the Prey Chan village, according to the Agence Kampuchea Press state news agency. The Ministry emphasised that Cambodian forces are monitoring the situation closely. They remain brave and steadfast in their defence against the aggressors, remaining vigilant in their duty to protect Cambodia's territorial integrity, the report said."
"Video footage posted online showed civilians, including young children, sheltering from the bombardment. Some of the children could be heard wailing as the residents crowded together. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Thailand's Morning News TV 3 reported an exchange of fire in the Sa Kaeo Province early on Monday morning, with Cambodian forces firing heavy weapons, igniting fires and damaging homes in the Khok Sung district. The Thai government has yet to comment on the renewed fighting."
Fighting resumed on December 8 along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with new clashes erupting hours before regional foreign ministers met in Malaysia to pursue de-escalation. The renewed conflict has killed at least 40 people and displaced nearly one million civilians across both sides. ASEAN efforts to revive a July-brokered ceasefire are threatened by the fresh hostilities. Cambodia accused Thailand of deploying F-16 jets that dropped four bombs and of firing toxic gas near Prey Chan village, and said Cambodian forces are monitoring the situation closely. Cambodian officials reported about 525,000 displaced on their side, while Thai authorities reported about 400,000 displaced.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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