Cambodia’s New Rebel Rulers
These three rebel groups will join Cambodian government to form ruling coalition:
KHMER ROUGE: The strongest guerrilla group, the Communist Khmer Rouge ruled from 1975-78 with repressive regime blamed for 1 million deaths from executions, famine, unrest. Ousted by Soviet-backed Vietnamese forces. Estimated strength: 30,000 troops. Led publicly by Khieu Samphan and Son Sen, but there are rumors former dictator Pol Pot is still in charge.
SIHANOUK’S GROUP: Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s 29-year rule ended in 1970 military coup. From exile, he directed non-Communist guerrilla forces with an estimated 20,000 fighters. Sihanouk led rebel coalition in peace talks.
KHMER PEOPLE’S NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT: The Western-backed, non-Communist guerrilla force is smaller than Sihanouk’s group. Its leader is former Cambodian Prime Minister Son Sann.
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