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PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Thailand and Cambodia start war with at least 11 d3ad

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A dangerous escalation unfolded on Thursday as Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodian military targets near their disputed border, following a series of deadly clashes that have claimed at least 11 civilian lives.

The conflict, which threatens to spiral into a broader regional confrontation, follows the injury of a Thai soldier in a landmine explosion on Wednesday. The incident prompted Thailand to shut down all border crossings with Cambodia.

Thailand’s northeastern 2nd Regional Military Command announced via Facebook that F-16 fighter jets had been deployed and claimed two Cambodian military support units were “destroyed.” Army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksuwanont confirmed the strikes were aimed solely at military targets.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense responded by condemning the airstrikes, which reportedly occurred near the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple. The ministry described the action as “brutal, barbaric military aggression” and a violation of international law.

“Cambodia reserves the right to lawful self-defense and will respond decisively,” the statement warned. “Our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the kingdom’s sovereignty—whatever the cost.”

Military officials confirmed that armed clashes broke out at six locations along the disputed border earlier on Thursday. Civilians were among the casualties, with homes, livestock, and public infrastructure damaged.

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed 11 civilian deaths and at least 35 injuries. Among the victims was an 8-year-old boy, the Thai military reported.

A Cambodian rocket reportedly struck a busy gas station in Kantharalak, Sisaket province, killing six people and injuring ten others. Geolocated video footage shows a damaged 7-Eleven store, smoke, and wounded individuals lying outside.

Thailand further accused Cambodian forces of firing BM-21 Grad rockets into civilian areas in Surin province, including at a local hospital. Footage aired by Thai PBS showed residents running for cover amid gunfire and sheltering in bunkers.

“The Royal Thai Armed Forces condemns these inhumane attacks on civilian targets and is prepared to respond to protect our sovereignty and citizens,” a military statement read.

Thailand also accused Cambodia of planting landmines inside Thai territory, another breach of international law.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai described the situation as “delicate” and emphasized that any response must remain within the bounds of international law.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to “stop Thailand’s aggression.”

The latest clashes follow the injury of five Thai soldiers in a landmine explosion on Wednesday. In response, Thailand downgraded diplomatic ties with Cambodia—recalling its ambassador and expelling Cambodia’s envoy from Bangkok.

The two nations share a complex relationship, with decades of both cooperation and tension. Their 800-kilometer border, drawn by French colonialists during their rule of Cambodia, has long been a flashpoint.

In 2011, skirmishes near the Preah Vihear temple left at least 20 people dead and displaced thousands.

This latest flare-up reportedly began early Thursday when Cambodia deployed a drone near the Ta Muen Thom temple—located near the border in Thailand’s Surin province. Thailand claimed Cambodian troops fired on a Thai army base, triggering the exchange of gunfire with small arms and heavy weapons.

Cambodia, however, disputes this account. Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata insisted their forces were responding to “an unprovoked incursion” by Thai troops.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also accused Thailand of attacking Cambodian army positions at several temple sites, urging citizens to remain calm and unified. The landmine attacks, which cost two Thai soldiers their legs in the past week, have only intensified the situation.

Tensions have spilled into domestic politics. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended earlier this month after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen—Hun Manet’s father—surfaced, in which she appeared to question her own army’s conduct.

According to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, the conflict “is likely to get worse before it gets better,” warning that further escalation may be imminent.

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Crime

DSS charges man for advocating military coup

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The Department of State Services has filed a six-count charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly calling for a military coup in the country.

The charges, brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, relate to posts Onukwume made on his verified X account (@theagroman) in October 2025.

According to the DSS, the posts encouraged the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the suspension of the federal government and support for the military in taking over the country.

In the charge filed on Tuesday by DSS counsel A.M. Danalami, Onukwume’s actions were said to contravene Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

Some of the statements attributed to him include: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

He allegedly also wrote, “It will happen eventually, Nigerian. The military needs your support now! Only they can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West and they run our intelligence apparatus only the military can reset this country.”

In another post, he reportedly stated, “Tinubu has to go and APC has to die for Nigeria to have any semblance of normal life. And if you think your stupid votes can remove Tinubu, I’m here to tell you that you’re a fool.”

The DSS further cited the same post repeated on his account, adding, “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, is expected to be arraigned later this week.

In October, there were reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This, however, has triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.

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Crime

Police recover stolen car, arrest Kano deputy gov’s driver

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The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Toyota Hilux vehicle stolen from the Office of the Deputy Governor and arrested a suspect linked to the theft.

According to a police report, the vehicle was traced and recovered in the early hours of Wednesday following a swift and coordinated operation by security operatives.

The suspect, identified as a permanent and pensionable driver attached to the Deputy Governor’s office, was apprehended and is currently assisting investigators with the ongoing probe.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Ibrahim Shu’aibu, described the incident as “a clear breach of trust by the arrested driver.”

“The Deputy Governor’s Office commends the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the Police and other security agencies involved in the recovery effort,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the state government assured the public that it remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, both within and outside the Government House.

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Crime

Suspected Ritualists Kill Woman, Remove Head, Other Parts In Oyo Community

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Residents of the Aba Alfa community in Boluwaji, Ibadan, Oyo State, were thrown into shock and mourning over the gruesome murder of a woman identified as Iya Dupe by suspected ritualists.

It was gathered that the incident occurred overnight, and the victim’s dismembered body was discovered early Wednesday morning.

According to residents, the victim’s head, breasts, and other vital organs were removed by her assailants.

Eyewitnesses explained that the woman, who was slightly ill, had gone out around 9p.m. on Tuesday to buy bread, but she never returned alive.

Neighbours who went to check on the deceased on Wednesday were met with the horrifying scene of her mutilated remains inside her home.

Residents described the discovery as “heartbreaking and inhuman,” adding that ritual-related killings were becoming a disturbing trend in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, despite several security efforts.

The Oyo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps have reportedly been alerted to the killing.

Community leaders have also called on the government and security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

At the time of filing this report, the police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

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