Junta forces destroy 9 useful bridges in Rakhine State

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 9 May 2024

At least nine bridges, which are essential for the residents of Rakhine State, were destroyed by the junta forces using mine attacks.

The junta soldiers destroyed Min Chaung bridge near Ah Myint Kyun village in Sitttwe,  Pan Zin Maw bridge in Buthidaung, La Baw Zar bridge, Pandaw Byint bridge, Kan Kya Mrauk bridge and 3-mile bridge in Maungdaw, Ma-ei bridge and Kyauk Gyi Pauk bridge in Taungup.

At around  4 pm on 6 May, the soldiers destroyed  Pan Zin Maw bridge, which is located at the entrance to Buthidaung township with a mine attack. Later , they destroyed La Baw Zar bridge, Pandaw Byint bridge, Kan Kya Mrauk bridge and 3-mile bridge in Maungdaw Township using a mine attack.

"The junta forces lack goodwill to the people of Rakhine State. So they are destroying many  bridges to prevent the Arakha Army (AA) offensive. The  destruction will hamper the transportation of essential goods to the locality. Meanwhile, the price of various commodities are only increasing. The junta's intention can be guessed as anti-Rakhine," said a Rakhine political analyst.

Pan Zin Maw bridge is located on the highway linking Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. It plays an important role in transportation of goods.

La Baw Zar bridge was also destroyed by a mine attack. It was engineered by junta soldiers at 9 pm on 6 May. The bridge is currently causing difficulties for the locals and it has  halted all trade activities in the locality.