U.N. Troops Begin Cambodia Pullout
The United Nations began the scheduled withdrawal of peacekeeping troops from Cambodia on Monday, but conflicts persisted between the government and the Communist Khmer Rouge faction.
A contingent of 849 soldiers from Tunisia left for Thailand en route home. The remainder of the 20,000-man U.N. military force is scheduled to leave by Nov. 15.
The force’s mission was to monitor a cease-fire by Cambodia’s four factions and assist in organizing democratic elections held in May.
But the Khmer Rouge refused to disarm and boycotted the elections.
On Monday, the U.N. mission accused Thai troops of standing by and videotaping as Khmer Rouge guerrillas attacked and detained 21 peacekeepers on Thai soil.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
