PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian junta military spokesman admitted for the first time today [July 18] that American B-52 bombers were being used to hit “North Viet-Namese” troop concentrations in this country. He declined to say when the strikes began but said many of the air strikes were in the northern corner of Cambodia. He declined to give specific locations.

The Cambodian junta military high command has completely abandoned three north-east provinces near the borders of Laos and South Viet-Nam. This has long been a major “North Viet-Namese” and Viet-Cong area of concentration which has expanded from southern end in the past two months.

Sources in Cambodia said the air strikes have been underway for more than a week. Since the pullout of American forces from Cambodia on June 30, US “Phantom” jets have been used regularly in support of Cambodian junta troops on the ground. Americans also continued to fly spotter planes to direct air strikes. — Agency

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Tel Aviv,] One Israeli plane was shot down today [July 18] when Israeli aircraft struck at Egyptian Sam rocket bases in the central sector of the Suez Canal, an Israeli military spokesman said.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2020