Junta forces destroy bridge at Buthidaung entry point to prevent AA offensive

Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 8 May 2024

The junta forces have destroyed a traffic bridge at the entrance to Buthidaung township of Rakhine State with a mine attack to prevent the Arakha Army (AA) offensive.

The bridge, which crosses Pan Zin creek, helps connect Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw townships by the roadways.

At 4 pm on 6 May, the junta soldiers destroyed the bridge, claimed an eyewitness.

"This bridge is vital for both military operations and general transportation. The approach road on the east side of the bridge collapsed," said a resident.

But even if the bridge was destroyed, it may not be able to halt the AA fighters attacking Buthidaung, as there are some alternative roads as well.

The AA fighters fully occupied the headquarters of 15th military operations command (MOC-15) and 551st, 552nd, 564th, 565th light infantry battalions on the eastern bank of the creek on 3 May.

Destruction of the bridge puts residents of  200 villages east of Buthidaung in a difficult situation.

Following the bridge's destruction, the junta soldiers were deployed in Buthidaung locality.

"They have deployed soldiers  in Buthidaung with an apprehension that the AA fighters might capture the town," added the resident.

On 25 April, the junta soldiers destroyed another bridge between Gone Nar and Sin Oh Pyin villages under Buthidaung township with a mine attack.