Junta blows up bridge in Buthidaung to slow AA advance
The regime blew up a bridge east of Buthidaung Town on Monday in a bid to prevent Arakkha Army (AA) troops from advancing on the town.
07 May 2024
DMG Newsroom
7 May 2024, Buthidaung
The regime blew up a bridge east of Buthidaung Town on Monday in a bid to prevent Arakkha Army (AA) troops from advancing on the town.
“They blew up the bridge yesterday. Junta troops in the town are overwhelmed by fear,” said a Buthidaung resident.
The Panzin Chaung Bridge spanned 960 feet, its foundation made of reinforced concrete bored piles with steel plate and reinforced concrete girder. Located on the Rathedaung-Ponnagyun-Sittwe road, the bridge was commissioned into service in 2017.
The 15th Military Operations Command east of the bridge and some light infantry battalions fell to the AA advance in the first week of May.
The regime also blew up a bridge linking Gone Nar and Sin Oh Pyin villages in Buthidaung Township on April 25, disrupting communications.
Observers say the regime only wants to leave Arakan State in ashes as it is losing the fight against the AA.
“The regime holds the attitude that if it can’t own something, it would destroy it instead of letting other people own it,” said a veteran politician from Arakan State.
The AA has seized the 15th Military Operation Command and Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 552, 546, 565 and 511 in Buthidaung Township, and is attacking other junta positions in the township.