The Thai army released on Facebook on Tuesday night images of the badly damaged Cambodian ancient Ta Kwai Temple after fierce battle between Thai and Cambodian troops.Thai Army spokesman Major Gen Winthai Suvaree said the Thai troops are continuing to push back Cambodian forces around Ta Kwai Temple and to secure the surrounding area, according to the Nation Thailand.
Suvaree added that Cambodian troops have been using heavy supporting fire against the temple and its vicinity, leaving several Thai soldiers wounded and causing extensive damage to the temple and nearby terrain.
Thai forces used drones to destroy the cable system leading up to the temple in a bid to cut Cambodian troops and weapons supplies.
Thai 2nd army area reported that Cambodia had used BM-21 rocket barrages to repel Thai military’s efforts to retake the area during the second round of fighting on Monday.
Cambodian forces have turned the Ta Kwai Temple into a military position and ringed with landmines since the five-day war in July between the two countries, according to the Thai news outlet.
Hun Sen, former Cambodian prime minister and father of current prime minister Hun Manet, confirmed Cambodia’s retaliation after initial denial.
Hun Sen posted on his Facebook on Tuesday, “This time–We fight to defend ourselves again–What else are they going to say? Cambodia need peace but Cambodia force–Fight back to protect our land.”
