Junta destroying key bridges to impede AA advance in Maungdaw
The Myanmar military has been destroying key bridges in Maungdaw District in a move believed intended to hamper Arakkha Army (AA) attacks.
10 May 2024
DMG Newsroom
10 May 2024, Maungdaw
The Myanmar military has been destroying key bridges in Maungdaw District in a move believed intended to hamper Arakkha Army (AA) attacks.
Within four days from May 6 to May 9, the regime blew up five bridges in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. The Shwe Zarr Bridge in Maungdaw Township was blown up on May 6, followed by the Thiho Aye and Labaw Zarr bridges on May 7, and the Pantawpyin Bridge on May 9.
The Panzin Chaung Bridge, just outside Buthidaung Town, was blown up on May 6.
“Fighting has been fierce in Maungdaw recently. The regime is destroying roads and bridges for fear that the AA might attack their outposts,” said a resident.
Military analysts say the regime is destroying vital road infrastructure in Maungdaw to impede the AA’s advances on remaining junta positions in Maungdaw District.
The roads and bridges destroyed by the regime linked towns and rural villages, disrupting communications.
“The roads have been destroyed. We can’t flee now if the fighting breaks out. The regime has destroyed them out of fear, but it has caused serious troubles for locals,” said a Maungdaw resident.
The AA has stepped up its attacks on junta positions in Maungdaw District in recent weeks, and the regime is defending its holdings with air and naval support.