Cambodia has called for the immediate return of 20 soldiers detained by Thai forces, just hours after a ceasefire ended the most intense border clashes between the two nations in decades.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence confirmed Thursday that negotiations are underway with Bangkok to secure the release of the troops, who were reportedly captured early Tuesday near the disputed frontier after allegedly crossing into Thai-held territory.

“We will do our best to continue negotiations with the Thai side in order to bring all our soldiers back home safely and as soon as possible,” ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said during a press briefing. “We urge the Thai authorities to repatriate all 20 military personnel without delay.”

Thailand, however, signaled it intends to follow legal procedures before any repatriation occurs. At a separate press conference at Royal Thai Army headquarters, army spokesperson Major-General Winthai Suvaree said 18 Cambodian soldiers were currently in custody — a discrepancy from the Cambodian figure — and that they would be processed in accordance with international law.

“The soldiers will be returned promptly once the necessary legal reviews are complete,” Suvaree told reporters, according to The Nation. He did not specify what those procedures entail, but sources say a full investigation into the border incursion is underway.

Thai officials also emphasized that the detainees are being treated in line with humanitarian standards and military protocols. The government added that repatriation efforts would proceed once the situation along the border stabilizes further.

The ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia and enacted early Tuesday, followed several days of fierce cross-border fighting that involved artillery, rocket fire, and limited airstrikes. The clashes forced nearly 300,000 people to flee their homes and caused widespread destruction across rural areas on both sides of the disputed border.

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continue, as both countries seek to prevent the fragile truce from unraveling.