BAGKOK: At least nine civilians have been confirmed killed and 14 others wounded, including a five-year-old child, amid escalating clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

Cambodia has yet to release any information regarding casualties or injuries on its side.

The violence marks the latest escalation in a long-standing dispute over the border between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, a conflict rooted in decisions made more than a century ago following France’s occupation of Cambodia.

Though sporadic clashes have occurred over the years, tensions intensified in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish.

Both countries have blamed each other for initiating the latest violence that erupted early Thursday morning.

Cambodia has been accused of firing rockets into a Thai village and attacking a hospital. In response, Thailand has carried out air strikes targeting Cambodian military positions.

In reaction to the conflict, Cambodia has downgraded diplomatic ties with Thailand and requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, accusing Thailand of using excessive force.

Meanwhile, Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia and advised all Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave immediately amid growing security concerns.

The situation remains volatile as both nations continue to exchange accusations and military actions along the disputed border region.