Junta continues to destroy bridges in Arakan State

By Admin 14 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 June 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has destroyed seven bridges in Arakan State’s Maungdaw and Ann townships over the past few days amid escalating hostilities.

The regime destroyed six bridges in Maungdaw — two bridges near Mawyawaddy Village, two near Myint Hlut Village and two near Alae Than Kyaw Village. A small bridge outside Ann town was also destroyed, according to sources.

“The regime had outposts near the bridges they destroyed. They blew up the bridges before they fled because they knew they would lose,” said a source.

The move is widely recognised as intended to slow the advance and impede the movement of AA troops.

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized Mawyawaddy base on Sunday. A junta base near Alae Than Kyaw Village fell on Wednesday. Myin Hlut base fell in the first week of June.

The AA is currently attacking Nar Kaung Toe base.

The regime blew up the small bridge outside Ann Town on Thursday. The AA has been attacking the Taw Hein Taung hilltop tactical command base in Ann Township. The regime is defending the AA’s attacks using artillery and air support including drones.

Arakan State residents have accused the regime of deliberately destroying infrastructure in Arakan State.

“They are doing so partly to hamper the AA’s attacks. It is also because they want to leave Arakan State in ruins if they are forced out of Arakan State,” said a resident.

In May, the regime blew up the Labawza Bridge near Hla Poe Kaung Village and 3rd mile bridge near Thiho Aye Village in Maungdaw Township, as well as Panzinchaung Bridge in Buthidaung Township.

The regime has destroyed at least 19 bridges in Arakan State, many of them critical to local transit and commerce.