JAKARTA - Thailand and Cambodia were still shooting heavy artillery at each other on Friday as the two countries' worst fighting in more than a decade intensified and spread to new areas.
Both sides blame each other for starting the conflict. Thailand accuses Cambodia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Cambodia accuses Thailand of using bulk bombs, controversial weapons, and is widely condemned.
The acting Prime Minister of Thailand, FUmtham Wechayachai, said Cambodia had launched attacks on various fronts and Thailand defended its territory.
"The current situation involves acts of intrusion and aggression that endanger people's lives. The situation has escalated and can escalate to war. Currently, this is a confrontation involving heavy weapons," he told reporters.
Fighting erupted again before sunrise, with clashes reported in 12 locations, up from six locations on Thursday, according to the Thai military.
Thailand said Cambodia used Russian-made BM-21 artillery and rocket systems to target areas covering schools and hospitals.
"This barbaric act has claimed lives and injured many innocent civilians," the Thai military said.
The Thai military called Cambodia's bombing a "terrible attack", blaming the Phnom Penh government, which they say is led by Hun Sen, the former influential prime minister for nearly four decades and the father of current Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet.
"Deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime, and those responsible must stand trial," the Thai military continued.
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