Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia on Thursday, marking a sharp escalation in a border dispute that is racking up fatalities, according to military officials. Fighting between the two neighboring countries has occurred intermittently for decades, but tensions began to climb last month after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish. After Thai solders were maimed by land mines in disputed border territory, Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia. On Thursday morning, the two militaries exchanged fire across the border. At least nine civilians were killed and 14 others injured in the northeast Thai region of Isan, the Royal Thai Army said in a statement. Cambodian authorities said they were still verifying whether there were civilian casualties on their side. Thailand — a U.S. security treaty ally — consequently flew an F-16 fighter jet over Cambodia, dropping bombs on what it called a military target. Cambodia confirmed the airstrikes, saying munitions had been dropped on a road leading to a pagoda. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his government was planning how to respond. “Cambodia always maintains a stance of wanting to resolve issues peacefully, but in this case we have no choice but to respond with armed force against this armed invasion,” he said. Both militaries have blamed the other for opening fire first on Thursday morning.

Full report : Thailand -Cambodian border dispute over an ancient Hindu temple escalates with deadly clashes.