Thai Drones Spotted At Phnom Sampov Targets for Several Days Before Bombing

Residents in Battambang’s Phnom Sampov were caught completely off guard Wednesday morning when a Thai T-50 fighter jet targeted civilian areas, with villagers reporting Thai drones flying over the area for several days before the attack.

A surprise Thai airstrike in Battambang’s Phnom Sampov area that hit civilian homes on Wednesday morning caused residents in Banan district to self-evacuate without official evacuation orders from local authorities.

A food seller, who asked to be called Ah Je, said,”Right now, some have evacuated, some are running to any places that they think are safe. However, I’m still home now because I don’t know where to go.”

She said she has not heard an announcement from local authorities yet, with those who are fleeing their homes doing so by themselves.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has confirmed that the Thai military used a T-50 fighter jet to fire bombs in the area, which destroyed civilian homes.

Ah Je said, “Before they dropped bombs, their [Thai] drones flew every night, and we got used to it, so we were not prepared for it [the attack]. When they dropped [the bombs], we were shocked.”

Another villager in Phnom Sompov, who spoke anonymously, said that his family of 11 is evacuating to Kampong Preah commune for safety.

He added, “Many residents have closed their homes and are seeking safer places, while some remain at home to receive updates from the Battambang administration.”

Meanwhile, another resident living in the area, who asked to be named Pheak, told Kiripost that she was not there during the Thai attack, but is desperately trying to contact her children, as they are there.

“I cannot give more details as I’m so nervous and worried about my children,” she added.

According to the Cambodian National Defence Ministry, the attack started at 10am when a T-50 fighter jet dropped four bombs.

Battambang Governor Sok Lu told Kiripost, “To date, we cannot give any update about the injuries and deaths, as I haven’t received the report from the ground.” He additionally mentioned that authorities are currently asking villagers to remain at home.