KAMPONG CHAM: Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered authorities in Ratanakkiri, Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces to be vigilant and monitor local activities, fearing an influx of Vietnamese insurgents into Cambodia. He stated that if found, they must be sent back to Vietnam.

Speaking at a meeting with nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Cham province on the morning of June 16, the Prime Minister said that the recent attacks on police stations in Vietnam, which have resulted in nine deaths so far, are concerning to neighboring countries.

He ordered the provincial authorities on the Vietnamese border to cooperate with Vietnam in searching for suspects and repatriating those that are caught. The PM raised suspicions of a possible insurgent mastermind in Cambodia and labelled the attackers a terrorist group.

The shootings in Vietnam took place on June 11 in the Central Highlands, where tensions are high between the Vietnamese government and local indigenous tribes (collectively known as Montagnards) following land disputes and economic hardship.

"Cambodia will not allow foreigners to use Cambodian territory to fight against other foreigners," said the Prime Minister.

During his speech he also warned international and Cambodian co-conspirators against helping the perpetrators flee or hide. So far, 39 people have been arrested in connection to the armed attack.