(Phnom Penh): On Tuesday morning (Dec. 9), Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced that, after exercising over 24 hours of discipline in honoring the ceasefire, Cambodia has been compelled to respond militarily from last night through early today. He underlined that Cambodia continues to seek peace, but will not allow its sovereignty to be violated.

Samdech Techo wrote on his social media as follows:

“After more than 24 hours of restraint to uphold the ceasefire and allow civilians time to evacuate to safe zones, we launched a counterattack beginning last night and continuing into this morning.

The Thai Prime Minister, Anutin, announced that they plan to use force to seize 11 locations, though it’s unclear where these 11 sites are. To avoid confusion, our fully equipped forces have been ordered to strike every location where enemy forces are encroaching.

We are defending our territory with fortified positions and the full range of our military capabilities. Enemy troops attempting to breach our defenses cannot break through and are being met with fierce resistance. This has allowed us to employ tactical measures aimed at destroying invading forces through strategic positioning and defense.

Meanwhile, the Thai military chief has claimed that, for the sake of Thai civilian security, Thailand must permanently dismantle Cambodia’s national defense capabilities. Such rhetoric exceeds even that of major world powers. We will not remain passive and allow them to destroy us at will.

Finally, I am observing closely those who, when Cambodia defended itself back in July, accused us of warmongering. When we observed the ceasefire and sought peaceful solutions, they accused us of cowardice or of giving up land for peace. Now that we are fighting to defend ourselves again, what will they say this time? Cambodia desires peace, but we are compelled to strike back to protect our land.”
=FRESH NEWS