1.
APC with troops moving into position (2 shots)
0.13

2.
Government troops along Highway 30 (3 shots)
0.22

3.
Government troops moving into jungle
0.27

4.
Mortar firing (3 shots)
0.37

5.
APC firing
0.40

6.
Government troops in position
0.42

7.
Wounded being dragged away and placed on stretcher (6 shots)
1.20

8.
Wounded on stretcher (3 shots)
1.31



Initials ???0 ???SM/1620



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Since the cessation of the United States bombing of Cambodia last Wednesday (August 15, 1973) Khmer Republic Government forces have been striving to clear the area around the capital Phnom Penh of Communist-led insurgents.

On Saturday (August 18), a spokesman for the Khmer High Command said their troops had regained large areas of territory, bringing all highways from Phnom Penh for at least 20 miles (32 km) under Government control. There had been little resistance from the insurgents since the bombing halt, he added.

There was, however, a brief but intense exchange of fire on Highway 30, some 16 miles (25 km) southwest of the capital. A government patrol was impeded by a boody trap and, in the ensuing contact with the guerrillas, lost three soldiers killed and four badly wounded.

The Khmer High Command believes that the insurgents are presently avoiding direct confrontations, where possible, and are using the pause to regroup and replenish supplies. In a recent press interview, President Lon Nol warned of an imminent assault on Phnom Penh, but predicted that it would be repulsed.