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International News: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the recent violent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reminded him of the past military tensions between India and Pakistan. He also announced that leaders of both Southeast Asian countries have agreed to hold peace talks and implement a quick ceasefire.
In a statement, Trump said, “We are currently working on trade deals with both countries, but I made it very clear that no agreement will happen while they are engaged in conflict.”
After his conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Trump said, “Many lives are being lost in this fighting. It reminds me a lot of the India-Pakistan conflict, which we were able to help bring under control.”
It's important to note that the India-Pakistan clash began in May after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor.” However, the Indian government denied Trump’s claims that the US helped reduce the tensions.
The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict has now entered its third day. So far, at least 33 people have died, and around 168,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said that over 37,600 people have been evacuated from three provinces near the border. Meanwhile, Thai authorities reported that more than 131,000 people have fled their homes due to the violence.
The root cause of the ongoing conflict is a long-standing disagreement over historic sites along their 817-kilometer shared border. One major point of tension is the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple. Although the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, Thailand still disputes the ruling.
As of Saturday, Thailand confirmed 20 deaths, including 7 soldiers and 13 civilians. Cambodia reported 13 deaths, including 5 soldiers and 8 civilians.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of illegal military aggression and heavy troop buildup near the border. Cambodian officials have also urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions.