Cambodian Civil War 1997

Tensions increased in the unstable coalition government between rival co-prime ministers, Hun Sen (1950-) and Prince Norodom Ranariddh (son of Sihanouk). These warlords tried to boost their strength by enlisting Khmer Rouge rebels as allies. Fighting broke out in Phnom Penh in July 1997; Hun Sen took power, overthrowing Ranariddh, who escaped; Sihanouk (ill with cancer) later left the country.