(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, reported that on July 28, 2025, despite a scheduled high-level meeting between the Cambodian Prime Minister and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister in Malaysia, Thai forces launched pre-emptive attacks on Cambodia from 3:10 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. at the Ta Moan temple area.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (July 28), Maly Socheata said Thai troops fired smoke grenades from aircraft over Cambodian territory in the An ses area and other locations, dropped cluster bombs, and rained heavy weapons on Cambodian soldiers, who successfully repelled the assaults.

She emphasized that, despite ongoing peace efforts, Thai forces continued to attack Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temples during the same period. Thai troops also struck along the border at Ta Moan Thom, Chub Korki, Thma Daun, Veal Intry, 5 Makara, Ta Thav, Phnom Kmoch, and An Ses, with intense fighting in the 5 Makara area as they attempted to seize Keosikha Kirisvarak Pagoda and expand control around Chub Korki and Thma Daun.

The Ministry of National Defence spokesperson confirmed that Cambodian forces fiercely resisted and did not back down from the invading troops.

The spokesperson confirmed that Cambodian forces fiercely resisted the invading troops, refusing to back down. She condemned Thailand for escalating its aggression without regard for international law, noting the humanitarian toll: more than 130,000 civilians displaced, over 600 schools closed, widespread infrastructure damage, and attacks on cultural heritage sites, including the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.
=FRESH NEWS