**Thai F-16s Strike Cambodian Military Base in Retaliatory Action**

In a dramatic escalation of military tensions, Thai F-16 fighter jets executed a precision strike on Cambodian artillery positions early on July 24, 2025, following Cambodia’s aggressive rocket attacks on Thai civilian targets. In a meticulously planned operation, six F-16s took off from Nakon Rajasima Air Base at 5:12 a.m., targeting two key military sites near Tamuen Tom, just inside Cambodian territory. The assault was a direct response to Cambodia’s use of Russian-supplied BM21 Grad rocket systems, which had unleashed devastating barrages on Thai provinces, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 civilians and the evacuation of over 120,000 people.

Within minutes of takeoff, F-16 tail number 4038, equipped with advanced targeting systems, penetrated deep into Cambodian airspace. The aircraft released two precision-guided bombs in a rapid sequence, obliterating the targeted artillery positions and crippling Cambodia’s military capabilities along the border. The first strike detonated an ammunition depot, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction that engulfed the site in flames, while the second strike targeted a suspected command post, effectively severing communications and disrupting military coordination.

The aftermath of the strikes has left Cambodia’s 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions in disarray, forcing a strategic withdrawal and raising alarms over their outdated defense systems. Reports indicate significant casualties, with estimates of 16 to 33 dead, including soldiers and civilians. The strikes have prompted urgent calls for humanitarian aid as local hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of wounded.

This decisive action underscores Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding its territory and serves as a stark warning to any nation considering military aggression. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, aware that this conflict could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.