Junta destroys 22 bridges during fighting in Arakan State

Salai Moe Aung, Narinjara News, 12 August 2024

Since the fighting resumed in Arakan State on 13 November 2023, the junta forces destroyed 22 bridges.

According to the data collected by Narinjara News till 10 August, those bridges were constructed in important points like on Yangon-Sittwe highway and those were crucial for local communities connecting many villages.

Both concrete and wooden structures were affected. Local witnesses reported that most of the bridges were completely demolished by mine attacks.

On the evening of 25 July, a mine attack destroyed the Chin Kwin bridge on Thandwe-Gwa road, which was routinely used by local residents. Earlier on 24 July, mine attacks destroyed the Tha Yet Pin Kwin  and Sin Din Lay bridges on the road from Za Lun  junction to Tha Byu Chai on Thandwe-Gwa highway.

Ah Lel Than Kyaw concrete bridge, located 24 miles south of Maungdaw, was destroyed by a mine attack on 9 June. On 13 June, mine attacks destroyed two bridges in Mawrawady, Myin Hlut, and Ah Lel Than Kyaw in Maungdaw locality.

Shwe Kun San bridge on the highway, located 8 miles from Taungup, was destroyed on the night of 10 June.

La Baw Zar bridge near Maungdaw town was destroyed on 6 May. The 3-mile bridge near Thi Ho Aye village in northern Maungdaw was destroyed on 7 May.

Pan Zin Chaung bridge, east of Buthidaung town and regularly used by locals, was destroyed by a mine attack on 6 May.

On 25 April, the junta forces destroyed a bridge connecting Gone Nar with other villages in Buthidaung locality.

Kyauk Gyi Pauk and Ma-ei bridges, located at the Ma-ei town entry point on Yangon-Kyaukphyu highway, were destroyed by mine attacks on 16 February. 

On 11 February, the Min Chaung bridge near the key villages of Ah Myint Kyun on Sittwe-Yangon highway, was destroyed by a mine attack to prevent Arakan Army fighters from entering Sittwe. In February, another bridge in Kyaukphyu was destroyed by a mine attack.

On 18 November, the bridge connecting Taung Ywar village in Taungup with Hmo Hin Taw village and the bridge linking Tha Lain Pyin with Wet Kyaik village, were destroyed. Additionally, a bridge connecting Kaing Shay ward with Myoma market in Taungup was destroyed on 17 November.

"The bridges are being destroyed by a number of mine attacks. Many roads are now blocked and a travel ban was imposed. This is a violation of people's rights and it disrupts all aspects of life including health. The junta forces are intentionally destroying bridges and blocking roads to cause suffering of civilians," said a resident in Sittwe.

The destruction of the bridges, seemingly intended to block the advance of  AA fighters but it is proven ineffective. The AA fighters successfully penetrated Thandwe  and reached Gwa township, the southernmost area of Arakan State.

A local woman in Pauktaw commented that the people always suffer the most.

"The junta soldiers are destroying bridges to create hardships to the locals. If you're sick, you can't travel. Making trade becomes too difficult. They’re targeting the bridges because they fear the AA fighters,” added the lady.

The destruction of bridges has  disrupted the local economy, healthcare facility and social life with the restriction in public movement.

Photograph caption: Many bridges in Arakan State are being destroyed by the junta forces.