Army condemns Cambodia's inhumane attack on community and hospital
Thai Army condemns Cambodia's rocket attacks on civilian areas, killing 23 and impacting 400,000 people. Calls for immediate halt to violence and law violations.
The Thai Army has issued a statement condemning Cambodia for its use of violence against civilian targets, launching BM-21 rockets that hit homes and the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, resulting in the deaths of 23 people. Over 400,000 people living along the Thai-Cambodian border have been affected. The Thai Army is calling for an immediate halt to the violation of international laws.
Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Thai Army, expressed outrage over the Cambodian military's use of force against civilian areas near the Thai-Cambodian border, which is not a military zone. The attacks, which targeted civilian infrastructure, are a severe violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and they have directly harmed many innocent Thai civilians.
The rocket attack has caused extensive damage, leading to loss of life, injury, and destruction of property. Civilians are now living in fear and insecurity, facing the consequences of military aggression that disregards humanitarian concerns. The violence has affected 400,000 people, with 23 reported deaths. One victim was killed by direct rocket strikes, and 22 others died as a result of indirect consequences from the attack. Additionally, six people were injured.
Besides the loss of life, the attack has caused severe damage to civilian property, including at least 30 homes and agricultural lands that are vital for the livelihood of the local population. This damage has left many people unable to work or maintain their normal lives.
The attacks have also affected healthcare infrastructure, with 20 hospitals and 201 village health promotion hospitals suffering damage, particularly the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which was directly hit by the BM-21 rocket strikes.
Furthermore, the insecurity has forced many schools in the border region to cease operations, depriving children and young people of access to education. This disruption has a long-lasting and severe impact on the quality of life and the stability of the affected population.
The indiscriminate nature of Cambodia’s military actions has led to unavoidable civilian casualties and suffering. The Thai Army emphasizes that innocent civilians should not be targets of such military actions.
The Thai Army is calling on Cambodia to immediately cease these violent acts against innocent civilians and to strictly adhere to international laws and humanitarian standards.
