Junta destroys key bridge in Gwa Twsp to slow AA advance

By Admin 25 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 July 2024, Gwa

Myanmar’s military regime blew up a bridge near Kyeintali Town, which links Thandwe and Gwa townships, on Wednesday in an apparent bid to prevent Arakkha Army (AA) troops from advancing on the town.

The Chinkwin Bridge on the Thandwe-Yangon road had supported the economic, social, and healthcare needs of the residents of Gwa and Thandwe townships, and more recently was being used for the transportation of people displaced by the ongoing conflict between the military and AA.

“Junta soldiers blew up the Chinkwin Bridge yesterday in a move believed intended to hamper Arakkha Army (AA) attacks. The Myanmar military has been destroying key bridges and roads, causing travel barriers for local people,” said a resident of Kyeintali.

The formerly standing Chinkwin Bridge was 60 feet long and made of reinforced concrete. The regime also blew up four bridges in Thandwe Township on July 19 and 20, and reportedly planted mines at the Nantawtaung Bridge.

Prior to the latest bridges’ destruction, the regime had already destroyed at least 20 key bridges across Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Sittwe, Ann and Taungup townships.

Junta troops have been stationed in some villages along the Thandwe-Gwa road and landmines have reportedly been planted to slow the advance and impede the movement of AA troops into Gwa Township.

About 100 junta soldiers have reportedly been deployed at a Buddhist monastery in Chinkwin Village, near Kyeintali Town.

“Local residents including displaced people face travel difficulties as the regime destroyed the Chinkwin Bridge. We also face travel barriers in providing relief items to the displaced people,” said a social activist in Gwa Township.

Junta soldiers at security checkpoints are accused of extorting money from internally displaced people (IDPs) and looting their valuables. The displaced people have been prohibited from transporting medicine and fuel into the area.

About 20,000 IDPs from Thandwe Township are currently taking refuge in Gwa and Kyeintali towns, and most are in need of food assistance.