PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK -- The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday that Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian armed forces, but the Cambodian forces did not fire back. On the same day, the Thai military accused Cambodia of firing first, claiming that Thailand was forced to retaliate.

Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, said in a press release that at 2:15 p.m. local time, Thai military forces initiated an attack against Cambodian forces at the border area in Preah Vihear province. Without retaliating, the Cambodian side promptly contacted and urged the Thai side to cease fire immediately. Subsequently, Thai military forces stopped firing at 2:32 p.m. (Cambodia-Thailand-Conflict)

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DAMASCUS -- An explosion shook the Syrian capital of Damascus on Sunday, according to local witnesses.

Local media said the blast was caused by a sound bomb near the Freedom Bridge -- formerly the President Bridge -- in the heart of the city. No damage or injuries were reported.

The explosion came as Syria prepared for events marking the first anniversary of the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government. (Syria-Explosion)

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COTONOU -- Benin's armed forces have foiled an attempted mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions, Minister of Interior and Public Security Alassane Seidou said in a statement on Sunday.

Seidou made the remarks after a group of soldiers announced earlier in the day on state broadcaster Benin TV that President Patrice Talon had been "removed from office." (Benin-Armed forces-Mutiny)

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ADDIS ABABA -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Sunday "strongly and unequivocally" condemned an attempted military coup in Benin.

"Any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union," the chairperson stresses in a press statement. (AU-Statement-Benin) Enditem