UPDATE 2 - Thailand-Cambodia conflict drags on with fresh airstrikes despite ceasefire calls

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES HEAD, LEDE

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand and Cambodia conflict entered its third day with fresh airstrikes, raising the death toll across the disputed border, despite international ceasefire calls.

Thai fighter jets struck military sites in the Phu Ma Kua area and Ta Muen Thom temple, according to Thai News outlet The Nation.

Cambodia confirmed the attacks and stated that retaliatory attacks were carried out, according to the daily Khmer Times.

It has also closed the airspace over areas currently experiencing armed conflict.

The Thai Navy earlier had dispatched four vessels in support of the land forces.

Thai forces claimed taking control of a hilltop, located about 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) from the Preah Vihear, earlier Saturday.

The conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors dragged on for the third day despite calls for a ceasefire and dialogue.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Saturday reiterated his determination to pursue a ceasefire between the sides.

Anwar said Friday the two sides had “agreed” on a ceasefire when he spoke to his Thai and Cambodian counterparts on Thursday night. But ground situation continued to escalate despite push for normalization.

The UN Security Council on Friday held an emergency closed meeting in New York on the situation in two nations, with the attendance of representatives of both Cambodia and Thailand.

“We asked for an immediate ceasefire—unconditionally—and we also call for a peaceful solution to the dispute,” Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said.

Thailand earlier had submitted a letter to the Council blaming Cambodia for the conflict, and urging the international community to call on for "the immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue in good faith," according to Thai PBS.

Cambodia also urged the UN Tourism agency to condemn Thai attacks that severely damaged the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Separately, China has denied allegations of providing military equipment to Cambodia.

Thousands of people from both sides of the border have been evacuated as Thailand reported 20 deaths, including six soldiers, while Cambodia said 13 of its citizens, including five soldiers, were killed since latest escalation began on Thursday.

The Southeast Asian neighbors have a border dispute along Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, with renewed tensions since May 28, when a Cambodian soldier was killed.