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Cambodia Deploys Elite Military Unit Near Thai Border Amid Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cambodian state media has confirmed the deployment of a highly trained and heavily armed military unit, the BHQ Bodyguard Division, close to the Thai-Cambodian border at Chong Bok. The move follows the recent JBC meeting in Phnom Penh, sparking speculation about the intent behind the elite force's presence. The BHQ unit is a "secret weapon" for former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and has been involved in suppressing opposition figures and cementing Hun Sen's grip on power.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BHQ Bodyguard Division is a highly trained and heavily armed military unit that has been deployed near the Thai-Cambodian border at Chong Bok.
  • The unit's presence has been revealed by Cambodian state media, which has also highlighted its movements towards the Thai border in Preah Vihear province amidst recent heightened tensions between the two nations.
  • The origins of the BHQ unit lie in "Brigade 70," established by Samdech Hun Sen over three decades ago, and has been referred to as his "private army" due to its direct reporting line to the then-Prime Minister.
  • General Hing Bun Hieng, the commander of the BHQ Bodyguard Unit, has a unique position due to his deep trust with Samdech Hun Sen, which dates back to their shared struggle fleeing the Khmer Rouge into Vietnam.
  • The BHQ unit has recently received substantial support in weaponry and training from the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and has been involved in suppressing opposition figures and cementing Hun Sen's grip on power.
  • The unit's missions have included protecting the Prime Minister, his family, and visiting foreign dignitaries, along with specialized counter-terrorism operations and special forces-style training for deployment in crisis situations.
  • General Hing Bun Hieng has been dubbed "the assassin" for his role in suppressing opposition figures, and has been involved in severe human rights violations, citing severe human rights violations.

Statistics:

  • The BHQ Bodyguard Division is a brigade-level unit with the status of a brigade, according to Cambodian media outlets.
  • The unit's origins date back to "Brigade 70," established by Samdech Hun Sen over three decades ago.
  • The BHQ unit has a total of 100 modern tanks, according to General Hing Bun Hieng.
  • The unit has been trained in special forces-style operations and has expertise in counter-terrorism.
  • The unit is headquartered in Takhmao District, Kandal Province, which is also the location of Samdech Hun Sen's family residence.
  • The "Golden Dragon" military exercise between China and Cambodia in 2020 reportedly included covert training for the BHQ (Brigade 70).

Sources:

  • Cambodian National Television (TVK) Facebook page
  • Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh
  • General Hing Bun Hieng's statement during the BHQ founding anniversary ceremony in September 2017
  • US Treasury Department's freezing of General Hing Bun Hieng's assets in the United States and imposition of a travel ban in 2018
  • Sam Rainsy's lawsuit against General Hing Bun Hieng in 2018 alleging his involvement in a 1997 grenade attack on a rally that killed 16 people.

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