Thai F-16s Strike Cambodian Border Amid Peace Talks: 41 Dead, 1M Displaced

Bombs are falling even as negotiators talk peace. On Friday, Thailand launched air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia, complicating efforts to end a conflict that's already claimed dozens of lives and uprooted hundreds of thousands.

Air Strikes Disrupt Fragile Ceasefire

The Thai Air Force confirmed it hit a Cambodian fortified position after ensuring civilians had cleared the area. However, Cambodia's defense ministry countered by accusing Thailand of indiscriminate attacks on civilian homes. Reports indicate that F-16 fighter jets dropped up to 40 bombs in the north-western Banteay Meanchey province, a move Thailand described as efficient and successful.

The Human Cost and Global Mediation

Since hostilities resumed earlier this month, the toll has been heavy. At least 41 people have died, and nearly 1 million have been displaced along the 500-mile border. Both the US and China are attempting to mediate as the dispute, which dates back over a century, threatens regional stability. Negotiators are currently meeting at a border checkpoint, with defense ministers set to join on Saturday.