DST News: Cambodia has shut all border crossings with Thailand as clashes between the two countries continued despite claims by US President Donald Trump that a ceasefire had been agreed. Cambodia’s interior ministry said the crossings would remain closed until further notice. The decision came as both sides reported ongoing air strikes rocket fire and artillery exchanges on Saturday.

Thai officials said four soldiers were killed in the latest fighting bringing Thailand’s military death toll to 15 since the violence escalated earlier this week. Cambodia has not released updated figures for military casualties but said at least 11 civilians had been killed and dozens injured in earlier attacks.

Cambodia accused Thailand of bombing hotels and a bridge using fighter jets while Thailand said Cambodian rockets had injured civilians. More than 700,000 people have been evacuated from border areas on both sides.

Trump had earlier said he secured a ceasefire after speaking to the leaders of both countries and claimed they agreed to stop shooting and return to a previous agreement signed in October. However neither government confirmed an immediate ceasefire in their public statements.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a ceasefire would only be possible after Cambodia withdrew its forces and removed landmines from disputed areas. Cambodian leaders said they would continue fighting to defend national sovereignty.

The conflict stems from a long standing border dispute that intensified in July and has repeatedly flared despite earlier ceasefire agreements. Both countries accuse each other of starting the latest round of violence along their contested 800 kilometer frontier.

Source: BBC