Thai F-16s strike Cambodian forces near disputed border temple

Deadly fighting broke out along the Thailand-Cambodia border

At least 12 people are already dead and tens of thousands were forced to evacuate

Thailand says Cambodian troops crossed into disputed territory and fired first, near the historic Ta Muantong Temple

Thai forces responded with airstrikes using F-16s, targeting what they claim were Cambodian rocket launchers and military positions

Cambodia calls the strikes unprovoked, accusing Thailand of violating its sovereignty and

requesting an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Most of the dead were civilians

One Cambodian rocket reportedly hit a gas pump at a 7-Eleven in Sisakhet province

Schelling also struck a Thai hospital. Fires swept through the region, leaving many people in a state of panic

The clash follows weeks of tension, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of planting landmines and political fallout over leaked phone calls involving Thailand's suspended prime minister

The disputed border zone has long been a flashpoint tied to colonial-era maps and rival claims around ancient temple sites

There's no ceasefire yet. Both armies remain on high alert. regional leaders, including from China and the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations

are calling for restraint. For more of our unbiased, straight-fact reporting like this, download the Straight Arrow News app today