7 Dead in Cambodian GunbattleNearly two dozen gunmen attacked government offices in central Phnom Penh early Friday, sparking a gunbattle with security forces that left at last seven people dead and eight injured, officials and witnesses said.Residents said the fighting raged from 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 and soldiers were among the wounded. Phnom Penh Governor 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 around 1:30 a.m. and walked the several hundred yards to the government offices, said Meng Try, 30, a warehouse guard at the station. Authorities have detained some 30 people for questioning. It was unclear how many of the armed men escaped, but officials acknowledged some remain free. Several hundred civilians and soldiers were loitering outside the Defense Ministry Friday morning. The compound walls and nearby buildings were pockmarked with bullet holes. Blood was on the street and sidewalks. |
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