Cambodia Coup Leader’s Forces Close In On Ousted Prince’s Troops

Outnumbered and under-equipped, forces loyal to Cambodia’s ousted premier appeared to be losing their grip Monday on their last stronghold along the Thai border.

Six wounded fighters loyal to deposed Prince Norodom Ranariddh were evacuated to Thai hospitals from the Cambodian border village of O’Smach, which has withstood nearly two weeks of assault by the larger and better-armed forces of Cambodian coup leader Hun Sen.

Hun Sen ordered his men to take the village by Aug. 15, but it has held out longer than expected.

On Sunday, the rival sides pounded one another with 200 rocket, mortar and artillery shells in the fiercest fighting to date.

Hun Sen ousted Ranariddh in a violent July 5-6 coup and chased the prince’s forces to the edge of northern Cambodia. Ranariddh’s men made their stand there.