Phnom penh: The number of Cambodian civilians displaced by continued Thai military attacks on Cambodian territory has jumped to 303,213 people, representing more than 89,687 families, as of 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 12.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, an official report released by the Ministry of Interior indicates that significant numbers of displaced individuals are currently seeking refuge across various provinces. The report specifies that 38,482 people are in Oddar Meanchey province, 25,719 in Preah Vihear province, 134,456 in Banteay Meanchey province, 3,221 in Pursat province, 25,250 in Battambang province, and 76,085 in Siem Reap province.
The Ministry has also confirmed the deaths of 11 civilians due to the ongoing conflict. The fatalities occurred in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Preah Vihear, with four, six, and one death respectively.
Since December 7, the Thai military has renewed its attacks on Cambodian territory, expanding operations across multiple provinces, including Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat. The operations have reportedly involved the use of heavy weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas. These military actions have led to civilian casualties, destruction of homes, temples, and health centers, the temporary closure of numerous schools, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. In response to these actions, Cambodia has found it necessary to counterattack in self-defence after more than 24 hours of restraint against repeated territorial violations.