• Cambodia accuses Thailand of escalating airstrikes during ongoing border negotiations.
• Recent violence resulted in over 90 fatalities and nearly a million displaced individuals.
• The removal of a Hindu statue has intensified tensions between the two nations.
• U.S. offers to mediate new peace talks amid escalating conflict.
• Both governments blame each other for the resurgence of hostilities.

Amid ongoing peace talks aimed at resolving their long-standing border conflict, Cambodia has accused Thailand of escalating military actions with a series of airstrikes. According to Cambodia's defence ministry, Thai fighter jets dropped up to 40 bombs near the northwestern village of Chouk Chey on Friday morning, reportedly causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and displacing nearly one million people as a result of the renewed clashes, which began earlier this month. The latest violence has reportedly resulted in at least 96 deaths since December 8, according to estimates, highlighting the urgency of the diplomatic discussions underway between the two nations, as they attempt to restore a truce, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and BBC.

Continuing the trend of mutual accusations, Thailand has defended its military actions, stating that the airstrikes were conducted to target "fortified military positions" following evacuations of civilians from the area. The Thai Prime Minister emphasized that the operations were executed effectively, asserting control over disputed regions, while Cambodia condemned these actions as "grave acts of aggression" and labeled them "exceptionally ruthless and inhumane." This latest round of clashes represents a significant escalation from the sporadic conflicts seen previously, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

The diplomatic situation is compounded by the recent demolition of a Hindu statue in the disputed territory by Thai forces, which sparked outrage in Cambodia. Officials from Thailand argued the removal was necessary to assert control in the area, which added further strain to relations as the Cambodian government called the act disrespectful to its cultural heritage. This incident has not only intensified the conflict but has drawn international attention and concern, especially from nations like the United States, which has expressed willingness to mediate further negotiations, aiming for a peaceful resolution to this escalating crisis, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and BBC.