Ancient Hindu temple with Shivling and the Thailand-Cambodia war

Fighter jets, landmines, and diplomatic expulsions marked the sharpest escalation in years over a dispute that stretches back over a century and at the centre of it lies the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu temple. The long-simmering tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared into deadly violence once again on Thursday, as both nations exchanged fire along their contested border.

At least nine civilians were killed,Several Thai civilians were killed in Si Sa Ket province when explosions rang out near a gas station, while at least 14 others were injured across three border provinces. Thai jets responded with airstrikes on Cambodian positions near the temple. Cambodia’s defence ministry accused Thailand of bombing roads near Preah Vihear.

Clashes continue in at least six areas along the border.The incident follows weeks of rising tensions after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, and two Thai soldiers lost limbs in separate landmine blasts in July.