Tanks drive through village as they hit homes 'used as human shields' by Cambodian rebels

Thailand today deployed Ukrainian-built tanks to a village in disputed territory that has been seized during clashes with Cambodia.

Footage shows the BTR-3E1 eight-wheel armoured vehicle launching an offensive operation in the Ban Ta Phraya–Bueng Takuan area near Sa Kaeo, Thailand.

The tanks, which were developed by Ukraine in 2000, unleashed ZTM-1 30mm automatic cannons on homes believed to have been used as human shields by Cambodian rebels.

Bueng Takuan is located next to the Ban Khlong Phaeng area in Sa Kaeo, which the First Army Area managed to seize.

Cambodia retaliated with artillery fire, grenade launchers, and BM-21 rockets in an attempt to regain control of the area.

The First Army Area announced on December 26 at 9.30am that Thai forces had full control of Ban Khlong Phaeng, Ban Nong Chan, and Ban Nong Ya Kaew.

A source said: 'Troops are in the process of clearing the areas and establishing security, while proceeding with caution.'

Clashes erupted earlier this year following months or border tensions when Cambodian soldiers launched BM-21 rocket attacks that killed 14 civilians and injured dozens of others in the July 24 attacks.

Thailand responded by reclaiming disputed land and evicting Cambodians who had been allowed to live on encroaching settlements for decades under informal good will agreements.

The Thai army, which is trained by the US and supplied with US fighter jets, then set about striking rival military targets. They claim that the documented attacks adhere to International Humanitarian Laws.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced on both sides of the border while dozens of soldiers have died.

Cambodia has claimed it is the 'victim of an aggressor and invader' and employed lobbyists in Washington to push its cause, while continuing to fire unguided rockets into Thai civilian areas.