Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day in a row, as tensions along the disputed border between the two countries escalated. At least 20 people have been killed and more than 130,000 have been forced to flee their homes in the most serious conflict between the neighbors in more than a decade, reports "Reuters".
The fighting, which began on Thursday, expanded to 12 fronts on Friday. Thailand accused Cambodia of using artillery and Russian BM-21 rockets against civilian targets, including schools and hospitals. Cambodia, for its part, condemned Thailand's use of cluster munitions, calling it a violation of international law.
"The situation has escalated and could escalate to a state of war," said Thailand's interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachay, accusing Cambodia of attacks on multiple fronts. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said a ceasefire had been reached with the mediation of Malaysia, but that Thailand had withdrawn from it shortly afterwards - something Bangkok has not confirmed.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said both sides had agreed "in principle" to cease attacks, but there were still "violations". The United States, Malaysia and China have offered mediation, but Thailand prefers bilateral talks, Thai diplomats said.
The conflict erupted after diplomatic tensions over a Thai soldier who lost a limb to a landmine that Bangkok blames on Cambodia. Cambodia has denied responsibility.
Cambodian authorities say Thai bombing damaged the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO world heritage site. Thailand has called the allegations a "distortion of the facts."
Thailand has reported 19 deaths, including 13 civilians, and 62 wounded. Cambodia has confirmed only one death. Hundreds of evacuation centers have been set up in affected areas such as Surin province.