【By Observer Net, Shanmao】
In recent days, the tense situation between Thailand and Cambodia has sharply escalated. Yesterday (24th), both sides engaged in fierce firefights near the border. During the firefight, both sides used various types of artillery weapons, including mortars, tube artillery, and multiple rocket launchers, as well as drones and tanks. At least a dozen people were killed and dozens injured in the firefight on that day.
Information from official sources and social media of both countries further indicates the weapons used by each side. According to video information circulating on the internet, the main type of 122mm caliber multiple rocket launchers used by Cambodia to fire at Thai targets include the Soviet BM-21 "Hail" rocket launcher and various models such as the Czech RM-70. Other artillery weapons have not been confirmed yet, and it is also reported that drones for reconnaissance were used.
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Cambodian Army BM-21 "Hail" Artillery Firing at Thai Military Targets Social Media
The Thai side deployed a variety of different types of weapons. Local residents have captured videos showing that the Ukrainian-made T-84 "Fort" main battle tanks and the US-made "Stryker" armored vehicles of the Thai Army have appeared near the border conflict area, as well as the FV101 "Scorpion" light reconnaissance tank and M113. The artillery used by Thailand mainly consists of various tube artillery, including the US-made M198 towed 155mm howitzer and the Israeli M758 ATMG vehicle-mounted 155mm howitzer. The M758 ATMG purchased by Thailand is a customized version of the Israeli ATMOS 2000 vehicle-mounted gun, using a 6-wheel drive Tatra T815 truck chassis, delivered in 2023, and this is the first time the gun has been used in combat.
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Thai Army Using M198 Towed 155mm Howitzer to Fire at Targets Social Media
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Thai Army M758 Vehicle-Mounted Howitzer Firing at Cambodian Forces Targets Social Media
In addition to ground forces, Thailand claimed to have deployed its air force for two rounds of air strikes against Cambodian military targets, with Thai Air Force aircraft bombing Cambodian artillery positions, reportedly destroying at least one "Hail" rocket launcher.
As of now, according to publicly available information, all the Thai Air Force aircraft involved in the air strike were F-16s from the 1st Fighter Wing. This wing is based at Khao Khorat Air Base, which is the closest base to the Thai-Cambodia border conflict area. Some images circulating on social media show that the Thai F-16s used at least two types of guided kits on Mk82 bombs during this conflict. One type is the Israeli Elbit Systems "Lizard III" laser-guided kit, and the other is the South Korean LIG Nex1's "South Korean GPS-Guided Bomb" (KGGB) glide-guided kit.
F-16 Aircraft from Thailand in This Airstrike Social Media Video Screenshot
A modified guided Mk82 kit used by the Thai Air Force, with head and tail components matching the characteristics of the Israeli "Lizard III" laser-guided kit, Social Media Video Screenshot
The South Korean KGGB glide-guided kit version of Mk82 mounted on the Thai Air Force F-16 Social Media
It may be due to the long distance, the JAS-39 "Gripen" fighter jets of the 7th Wing stationed at Surat Thani Air Base have not yet been involved in combat.
This article is an exclusive article from Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7531001196828492314/
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