The growing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continued into its third day with new attacks, as fears of war loom. The conflict’s death toll rose substantially on Saturday, with Cambodian authorities reporting 12 new deaths and Thailand one,

Thai and Cambodian soldiers fired at each other in contested border area Thursday after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations in a rapidly escalating dispute.

At least 14 people have been killed so far in Thailand, mostly civilians, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

Cambodian authorities reported on Saturday 12 new deaths, bringing its toll to 13, while Thai officials said a soldier was killed, raising the deaths to 20, mostly civilians.

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops took place along their border for a second day early on Friday, with Cambodia using heavy weapons including artillery and rockets, Thailand's military said.

Nationalist passions on both sides have inflamed the situation.