1.
GV Prek Pneu village
0.05

2.
MV Dead bodies
0.11

3.
MV AND GV Woman crying ZOOM TO dead child
0.30

4.
GV Bodies covered up
0.48

5.
GV Bodies brought out (2 shots)
1.10

6.
GV Men digging graves
1.15

7.
GV Bodies placed in graves (2 shots)
1.30



Initials CL/1807 CL/1816



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Eight civilians were killed when Communist-led insurgents fired a single mortar shell into the village of Prek Pneu, six miles (10 km) from Phnom Penh, on Thursday (16 January). The victims included three children and three women.

The mortar around was fired from insurgent positions across the nearby Tonle Sap River. The insurgents gained control of the east bank of the river early in their offensive this month. They are now reported to have extended their control over the area to within five miles extended their control over the area to within five miles (8 km) of Phnom Penh.

The mortar attack was yet another indication of the tightening grip the insurgents have on the country. Heavy fighting has been reported to the north and north east of the capital, and the strength of Government forces is said to be deteriorating.

Observers say the insurgents are so close to Phnom Penh they could maintain a constant barrage of mortar fire, directed at the capital. However, attacks so far have been isolated.