Defections Isolate Khmer Rouge

Nearly 1,000 Khmer Rouge rebels have defected to the government side, further isolating the hard-line faction of Pol Pot, the military said Tuesday.

Except at their northern stronghold of Anlong Veng, the remaining units loyal to Khmer Rouge founder Pol Pot appear to be mostly few in number and isolated from supply routes, casting doubt on their prospects for long-term survival.

“The guerrillas agreed to defect largely because they were lacking in food and medical supplies,” said Gen. Keo Pong of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. He said the former guerrillas were given government army uniforms and two tons of rice on Tuesday.