At least 12 people have been killed as military forces clash near a contested border site

Thailand and Cambodia have exchanged strikes in a flare-up of violence over a disputed border area. At least a dozen people are reported to have been killed since clashes erupted on Thursday.

Troops from both sides exchanged fire near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a centuries-old Khmer Hindu site located in a contested area claimed by both nations. The dispute stems from colonial-era French maps that left parts of the border ill-defined.

Both countries have accused each other of opening fire first. The clash marks the deadliest escalation in the long-running territorial standoff in recent years.

The day before, Thailand closed its northeast border crossing with Cambodia, withdrew its ambassador, and expelled the Cambodian envoy to protest a landmine blast that wounded five Thai soldiers.

Cambodia has since said it will also be downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, and will be expelling the Thai ambassador as well as recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok.

(RT.com)