Exiled Cambodian regime says Viets used toxic gas

March 17, 1980

The ousted Khmer Rouge administration said Sunday that 16 Cambodians perished March 11 in northeastern Mondulkiri Province after a poison-gas attack by Vietnamese-led forces. Khmer Rouge Radio, believed to be broadcasting from southern China and monitored in Bangkok, said 21 people also fell sick after the alleged attack. The Khmer Rouge has accused forces of the Vietnamese-backed Phnom Penh government several times recently of using toxic chemicals against the Cambodian people. The Phnom Penh government denies the charges.