Khmer Rouge Accuses Cambodian Government of Hiring Vietnamese Mercenaries

Strategic Insights -

The Khmer Rouge has accused the Cambodian government of employing Vietnamese mercenaries to lead military attacks against rebel forces. According to the rebel radio, the alleged Vietnamese commandos, known as Dac Cong, were paid $100 per day and were used in a successful assault on the western Cambodian town of Pailin on March 19. The Khmer Rouge claims that 300 of the 500 Vietnamese mercenaries were killed in the assault and ensuing skirmishes, while 200 are trapped in Pailin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Khmer Rouge has accused the Cambodian government of hiring Vietnamese mercenaries, specifically 500 elite soldiers from Vietnam's 7th, 9th, 330th, and 309th Divisions.
  • The alleged mercenaries were paid $100 per day and were used in a successful assault on Pailin on March 19.
  • According to the Khmer Rouge, 300 of the 500 Vietnamese mercenaries were killed in the assault and ensuing skirmishes.
  • 200 Vietnamese mercenaries are reported to be trapped in Pailin.
  • The Khmer Rouge radio claimed that the mercenaries were "selected" and could speak some Cambodian words and dress up as Cambodian forces.
  • The Khmer Rouge has frequently accused the Cambodian government of being dominated by Vietnam.
  • The Khmer Rouge's claims of Vietnamese mercenaries could not be independently confirmed.

Statistics:

  • 500 Vietnamese mercenaries allegedly employed by the Cambodian government.
  • 300 Vietnamese mercenaries reportedly killed in the assault and ensuing skirmishes.
  • 200 Vietnamese mercenaries trapped in Pailin.
  • $100 per day paid to each Vietnamese mercenary.
  • 7th, 9th, 330th, and 309th Vietnamese Divisions allegedly supplying mercenaries.
  • March 19: date of successful assault on Pailin.
  • "...six government soldiers captured last week near the embattled western Cambodian town of Pailin."

Sources:

  • "The Khmer Rouge Monday accused the Cambodian government of employing Vietnamese mercenaries to spearhead military attacks against rebel forces."
  • (No source is cited for the independent confirmation of the Khmer Rouge claims)