(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen strongly rejected reports published by some Thai media outlets alleging that Cambodia has Russian soldiers and foreign nationals assisting in combat operations against Thai aggression.

In a message posted on his social media on Tuesday (Dec. 16), Samdech Techo Hun Sen clarified that Cambodia does not have any Russian nationals or other foreign nationals participating in combat on the battlefield or serving as military advisers to the Cambodian armed forces.

“Over the past few days, some Thai media outlets have published reports claiming that Russian soldiers and certain foreign nationals are participating in combat operations in Cambodia," Samdech Techo wrote.

"In order to uphold the dignity of Cambodia, as well as that of Russia and other foreign nationals who have been accused, I wish to clarify that Cambodia does not have any Russian nationals or other foreign nationals involved in battlefield combat or serving as military advisers to the Cambodian armed forces.”

Samdech Techo emphasised that Cambodia has not hosted any foreign troops on its territory since the withdrawal of UNTAC in 1993.

He acknowledged that, in the past, foreign forces have entered Cambodia to participate in multilateral or bilateral joint military exercises, including foreign naval forces arriving through the seaport in Preah Sihanouk Province, noting that such activities are normal practices within the framework of international defence cooperation.

He further noted that many foreign nationals of various nationalities are currently residing in Cambodia as tourists, investors, technical experts, or employees of foreign and local companies. However, he stressed that these individuals have no involvement whatsoever in military affairs or combat operations.
=FRESH NEWS