Cambodian Government Offices Attacked

Nearly two dozen gunmen attacked government offices in central Phnom Penh early today, sparking a gun battle with security forces that left at least seven people dead and eight injured, officials and witnesses said.

Residents said the fighting raged for more than one hour near the Defense Ministry, Council of Ministers offices and other buildings.

Officials said most of those killed were the attacking gunmen, whose identities weren’t immediately known.

At least six police officers and soldiers were among the wounded.

Phnom Penh Gov. Chea Sophara said the Cambodian capital was stable after the attack. “A group of armed terrorists attempted to disturb the capital, but our forces reacted and full stability has been restored.”

He said the attackers appeared to be well organized, using assault rifles, grenades and rocket launchers.

The fighting began after about 20 armed men emerged from Phnom Penh’s central train station about 1:30 a.m. and walked several hundred yards to the government offices, said Meng Try, 30, a warehouse guard at the station.

Authorities have detained about 30 people for questioning.

It was unclear how many of the armed men escaped, but officials acknowledged that some remained free.

Several hundred civilians and soldiers were loitering outside the Defense Ministry this morning.

The compound walls and nearby buildings were pockmarked with bullet holes.

Blood was on the street and sidewalks.