Clashes continue along Thailand-Cambodia border amid renewed tensions

POIPET, BANTEAY MEANCHEY, CAMBODIA - DEC. 18: Clashes continued in border areas between Thai and Cambodian forces on Thursday, Dec. 18, following tensions that flared again in early December between the two Southeast Asian countries.The fighting involved mutual missile strikes and artillery fire in disputed border zones, according to regional sources.The renewed clashes followed a cease-fire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after a period of military escalation linked to territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia.Clashes continued in border areas between Thai and Cambodian forces on Thursday, Dec. 18, following tensions that flared again in early December between the two Southeast Asian countries.Renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have killed at least 52 people on both sides since the conflict reignited in early December.Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said Thai forces carried out artillery attacks and drone strikes in the border region, according to local media.The ministry added that Cambodian forces responded by firing BM-21 rockets at Thai positions.The Thai army, however, said intermittent clashes continued across border areas, involving mortars, tanks and drones.The clashes continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month through mediation by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.China said it is closely monitoring the conflict and has dispatched a special envoy for Asian Affairs to engage in shuttle diplomacy between Cambodia and Thailand to help ease tensions.Thailand has said Cambodia must be the first to announce a ceasefire, adding that any agreement must be credible and include cooperation on demining efforts along the border.Thailand and Cambodia have a long-running border dispute that has repeatedly erupted into violence over the years.(Footage by Daniel Ceng /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)