PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.
Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army.
"After more than 24 hours of patience to respect the ceasefire and to evacuate people to safe areas, yesterday evening, last night and this morning, we have retaliated," Hun Sen said in a post on his official social media platform.
Thailand's Second Army Region said on a social media post that Cambodian forces had fired BM-21 multiple-launch rockets into Thailand's borders since 6 a.m. on Tuesday, forcing Thailand to respond.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the Thai army has used heavy and destructive weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas to attack Cambodian military positions and civilians since Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning.
Seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in the border conflict, she said.
According to Thai media, fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have forced over 800 schools and many hospitals to temporarily close in Thailand's border provinces.
The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties. ■
