Dozens Killed, Over 160,000 Displaced as Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

Dozens Killed, Over 160,000 Displaced as Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

By Kamal Yalwa: July 26, 2025 Violence along the long-disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, leaving at least 33 people dead and forcing more than 168,000 people to flee their homes, as the deadly clashes entered a third consecutive day on Saturday. Cambodian officials confirmed 12 additional deaths, bringing their national toll to 13, while Thai authorities reported the death of another soldier, raising Thailand’s total to 20, mostly civilians. New flashpoints were reported on Saturday in areas over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from earlier combat zones, including Cambodia’s Pursat Province and Thailand’s Trat Province, signaling a dangerous spread of the conflict. International Calls for Restraint The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in New York late Friday, where members unanimously called on both countries to show restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution. A council diplomat, speaking anonymously, confirmed that pressure is mounting for an immediate ceasefire. Malaysia, chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes both nations, issued a statement urging both sides to halt hostilities and offering to mediate peace talks. Competing Accusations Tensions have escalated sharply since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish. The situation worsened last Wednesday when a land mine injured five Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to close its border with Cambodia and expel the Cambodian ambassador—a move that deepened the diplomatic crisis. Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of launching a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack,” while Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted Bangkok had shown “utmost restraint” in response to Cambodian aggression. Mass Evacuations and Civilian Displacement According to Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, more than 10,865 Cambodian families—around 37,635 people—have been displaced across three border provinces. Thai authorities reported that over 131,000 residents have fled border villages, seeking safety. In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, once-bustling villages now lie deserted. Families were seen evacuating on makeshift tractors, while others sheltered in underground bunkers hastily built using wood, zinc, and tarpaulins to protect against incoming shelling. Several hundred sought refuge at a remote Buddhist temple, where temporary plastic tents were erected beneath the trees. Strategic Sites Under Fire On Friday, Thailand’s military reported multiple skirmishes along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, a long-contested site that both nations claim. The latest violence marks the most serious escalation since 2011, when 20 people were killed during similar clashes. With the situation deteriorating rapidly, regional and international actors are urging urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent a broader conflict.

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UK Faces Pressure to Recognise Palestinian State as Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

UK Faces Pressure to Recognise Palestinian State as Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

By Kamal YalwaUK,Gaza,July 26, 2025 Calls are intensifying for the UK to formally recognise the State of Palestine, as Labour MPs and humanitarian groups highlight the worsening crisis in Gaza and urge the government to take decisive action. The MP behind the recent cross-party letter urging recognition has warned that “time is running out” to support a viable two-state solution. This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK will assist with humanitarian airdrops into Gaza amid dire shortages of food and water. Starmer’s remarks followed mounting pressure on the UK to align with France, which recently announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood by September. The Prime Minister said Britain is “prepared to play its part” in supporting aid efforts while continuing to work diplomatically toward a long-term peace framework. However, the planned airdrops have drawn criticism from humanitarian experts, who argue that they offer only symbolic relief in the face of growing starvation. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), sharply condemned the airdrop strategy, calling it “a distraction and smokescreen.” In a post shared on social media, Lazzarini described the method as “expensive” and “inefficient,” and warned that airdrops “can even kill Palestinians” if mishandled. “A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates & guarantee safe movement + dignified access to people in need,” he wrote. UNRWA says it has 6,000 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies currently waiting in Jordan and Egypt, ready to enter Gaza if access is granted. The agency reiterated that only safe, sustained land entry points can adequately meet the scale of need on the ground. As the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, political momentum is building in Europe and beyond for the recognition of a Palestinian state—a move supporters believe could revive long-stalled peace talks and reaffirm international support for a two-state solution.

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IGP Applauds Gov. Diri’s Honours for Police Officer of the Year

IGP Applauds Gov. Diri’s Honours for Police Officer of the Year

By kamal yalwa: July 26, 2025 The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for hosting a high-profile state banquet in honour of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi, the recipient of the Police Officer of the Year 2024 and the prestigious IGP Integrity Award. The celebratory event, held in Yenagoa, was described by the IGP as a significant gesture that promotes honour, courage, and ethical excellence within Nigeria’s law enforcement community. SP Sentome Obi, who hails from Bayelsa State, currently heads the Financial and Cybercrime Unit at Zone 16 Command, Yenagoa. He garnered national recognition after he rejected a $17,000 bribe intended to derail a sensitive criminal investigation—an act that earned him accolades for integrity and professionalism. In recognition of his exemplary conduct, Governor Diri presented SP Obi with a brand-new car and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow, highlighting the state’s appreciation for upright public service. The IGP praised Governor Diri’s gesture as a “watershed moment” in ongoing efforts to embed a culture of accountability and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force. “This recognition is not only well deserved, but it also sets a new standard for public service and moral leadership,” IGP Egbetokun said. The honouring of SP Obi aligns with the IGP’s broader vision to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a modern, ethical, and community-trusted institution. According to Egbetokun, such recognitions inspire officers across the country to uphold the core values of honesty, service, and professionalism.

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Zamfara APC Mourns Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned the death of the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, who passed away early Thursday morning at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. In a condolence message issued on behalf of the State Working Committee, party leaders, and members, APC State Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, extended heartfelt sympathies to the Zamfara State Government, the Gusau Emirate Council, the State Council of Chiefs, and the people of the state over what he described as a profound loss. Danfulani hailed the late emir as a distinguished traditional ruler who upheld the legacies of his forebears, championed the development of the Gusau Emirate, and stood firmly in defense of Islamic values and human rights. “Late Ibrahim Bello was a great leader known for his simplicity, strong faith, and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people,” the statement read. “He will be fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the service of humanity.” The APC prayed for the peaceful repose of the emir’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest in Aljannatu Firdaus.

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Tinubu Reportedly Distances Longtime Ally Eludoyin Amid NNPC Turmoil

Abuja – In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped the political elite, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to have distanced himself from his longtime ally and confidant, Prince Dapo Eludoyin, as controversy deepens around the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari. According to insider sources, the President’s cold shoulder towards Eludoyin stems from a series of missteps and allegations surrounding Ojulari, who is facing scrutiny over what critics describe as poor judgment and questionable political alignments. Ojulari first came under fire over his ill-timed NNPC executive retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, which drew criticism given the country’s pressing economic challenges. However, the pressure mounted further following unconfirmed reports that he allegedly facilitated travel arrangements for key opposition figures, using NNPC aviation contracts in a manner seen by some as politically subversive. What appears to have drawn President Tinubu’s ire even more is the fact that Ojulari was reportedly nominated for the top NNPC role on the strong recommendation of Prince Eludoyin. Sources within Aso Rock suggest the President now feels blindsided, particularly after revelations of Ojulari’s alleged ties to businessman Bashir Abdulahi Haske — a figure currently under investigation over alleged fraud and corruption. Observers say Tinubu’s silence and visible detachment from Eludoyin signal a deep sense of disappointment. One senior official described the fallout as “a classic case of political self-preservation,” suggesting that the President may be trying to shield his administration from further reputational damage. Political analysts note that while Tinubu is known for rewarding loyalty, he is equally swift to reposition when allies become political liabilities. “This may be more of a strategic retreat than a permanent fallout,” said one source familiar with the situation. “The President is pragmatic — he distances himself when necessary but rarely closes the door completely.” As Abuja’s political circles continue to buzz, questions remain: Is Eludoyin’s influence within the Tinubu camp permanently diminished? Will Ojulari survive the mounting pressure? Or is this the beginning of a broader shake-up within the nation’s oil sector? What is clear, however, is that the episode has sent ripples through the upper ranks of government, laying bare the high-stakes calculations and shifting alliances that define Nigeria’s political theatre.

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Thailand and Cambodia Exchange Fire in Deadly Border Clashes

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into violent confrontations on Thursday, leaving at least 14 people dead and dozens more injured, as both nations exchanged artillery fire and airstrikes near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple.* Thai officials confirmed that a Cambodian shelling campaign killed 13 civilians and one Thai soldier, prompting the Thai military to launch retaliatory airstrikes into northwestern Cambodia. Six Thai F-16 fighter jets reportedly bombed Cambodian military targets following attacks that hit civilian areas, including a petrol station and a hospital zone. The fighting erupted early Thursday morning near the ancient Ta Moan Thom Temple in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. According to Thailand’s military, the violence began when Cambodian drones and troops approached the Thai border before launching rocket attacks into Surin and Sisaket provinces. Cambodian forces allegedly fired BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, including a strike near a hospital and a petrol station in Ban Phue, which killed six civilians. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a senior Thai military official, said clashes quickly spread to at least six points along the border, leading to the closure of official border crossings. In response, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied any declaration of war but insisted that the fighting must stop before any negotiations could begin. Health Minister Thepsuthin Somsak condemned Cambodia’s attacks as “war crimes,” citing the shelling of civilian areas, including an already evacuated hospital. The violence has triggered mass evacuations, with over 40,000 civilians fleeing more than 80 villages near the border. Local authorities have set up emergency shelters fortified with sandbags and concrete, as verified videos showed displaced residents fleeing on foot with bags of belongings. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry, however, blamed Thailand for provoking the confrontation, claiming Thai forces first deployed a drone and fired across the border. It described its actions as self-defence in response to an alleged Thai incursion. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, stating that Thailand’s actions “gravely threatened peace in the region.” Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also weighed in, accusing Thailand of shelling Cambodian provinces and forcing Cambodia’s military to defend its territory. As both sides trade blame, regional leaders and international observers are calling for urgent de-escalation to prevent the crisis from spiraling into a broader conflict.

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University Don Emerges New APC National Chairman

A Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and a former university don, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has emerged as the new Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Yilwatda emerged as the consensus nominee at the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday. The Professor replaced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who recently resigned from the position citing health concerns. Yilwatda, 56, hails from Plateau State and was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the state during the 2023 general elections. His nomination aligns with the party’s zoning arrangement, which allocated the national chairmanship to the North-Central geopolitical zone comprising Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. Professor Yilwatda comes with a blend of academic, bureaucratic, and political experience. Before venturing into politics, he was an engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He also served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) between 2017 and 2021, overseeing elections in Benue, Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River states.

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50 Feared Dead in Russian Plane Crash

A Russian Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in the country’s far east on Thursday and everyone on board was feared to have been killed, emergency services officials said. The burning fuselage of the plane, which was made in the Soviet era and was nearly 50 years old, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter and rescue crews were rushing to the scene. Video shot from a helicopter and posted on social media, showed the plane came down in a densely forested area. Pale smoke could be seen rising from the crash site. The plane was on a flight by a privately owned Siberian-based regional airline called Angara. The aircraft’s tail number showed it was built in 1976 and was operated by Soviet flag carrier Aeroflot before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The plane was en route from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town and important railway junction in the Amur region bordering China. It dropped off radar screens while preparing to land. There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board according to preliminary data, Vasily Orlov, the regional governor said. The federal Russian government put the number of passengers on board at 42. Debris from the plane was found on a hill around 15 km (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency quoted emergency service officials as saying. “During the search operation, an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” the emergency services ministry said on Telegram. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.” Angara airline is based in the Siberian city of Irkutsk and serves airports in Siberia and Russia’s far east. It operates 10 An-24s built between 1972 and 1976, according to the RussianPlanes web-portal.

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