Prince Norodom Sihanouk Deposed by Lon Nol

In March 1970, Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia was deposed by his prime minister, Lon Nol, who had pro-American inclinations. This political shift was marked by Nol's demand for the withdrawal of North Vietnamese troops from Cambodian territory, threatening military action if his demands were not met. The coup led to significant unrest within the country, as Nol's regime began to target Vietnamese civilians residing in Cambodia. Reports indicate that these actions included the rounding up and massacring of Vietnamese individuals, which escalated tensions not only within Cambodia but also with neighboring Vietnam. The North and South Vietnamese governments reacted strongly to these developments, further complicating the regional dynamics and contributing to the ongoing conflict in Southeast Asia. The coup and subsequent violence marked a turning point in Cambodian history, leading to increased instability and setting the stage for future conflicts, including the rise of the Khmer Rouge.