Cambodian general led from the front and was easily located, then was killed by Thai artillery fire.
Major General Doung Sornnang, commander of the 7th Infantry Division of Cambodia, was killed in action when he was hit by the Thai artillery forces while commanding the battle at the frontline in the Chong Ta Kao-Pumakua area.
Pumakua Hill is a strategic high ground at an altitude of about 505 meters, which has become one of the most fiercely contested positions since the conflict broke out.
Cambodia had briefly controlled this hill, but it was later recaptured by the Thai forces.
Major General Doung led from the front, attempting to organize a counterattack to regain the high ground, but was killed in a heavy artillery barrage, becoming the first senior officer to be killed in this round of fighting.
The 505-meter hill is located in the southern part of the Dangrek Mountains on the Thai-Cambodian border, with a dangerous terrain that is close to the Preah Vihear Temple historical area.
The Thai military captured the hill in a surprise attack early on the 24th and quickly established positions, deploying artillery and drone monitoring points, claiming a 90% control rate.
Cambodia then mobilized the main artillery and armored vehicles of the 7th Division multiple times to attempt a counterattack, with particularly fierce fighting.
Major General Doung was in the command post during a counterattack launched by the Cambodian forces at 3:30 am on the 26th, trying to coordinate the troops to attack the Thai positions on the mountain top, but was hit by a concentrated artillery barrage and was killed by being bombarded alive.
From the course of the battle, it can be seen that this battle has far exceeded the scale of ordinary border conflicts.
Both sides have deployed multiple rocket launchers, long-range artillery, drones for reconnaissance, and precision-guided strike systems.
Cambodia hopes to control the Pumakua Hill to gain an observation and suppression posture along the entire border line; while Thailand is determined to hold the hilltop, using it as an observation and counter-artillery platform.
In such a high-intensity combat, Doung still chose to be at the front line rather than directing from the rear, demonstrating his inspiration to the soldiers.
According to Thai media, the reason why the Thai army could accurately hit the location where Doung was, was because his command tent was exposed to the view of drones, and was easily identified and targeted with a pinpoint artillery strike.
Tension between Cambodia and Thailand is escalating
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838860793973824/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.