Hsipaw residents are concerned about being trapped following the recent destruction of a crucial transportation bridge during the ongoing fighting between Three Brotherhoods Alliance and troops from State Administration Council (SAC) in northern Shan State.
“Both sides have deployed more troops into the area, and we’re worried that we will be stuck in the town if clashes break out here. We are also concerned about SAC launching airstrikes and artillery attacks on our town,” said a resident from Hsipaw.
Sint Ann (also Sin Ann) Bridge, located about 20 miles from the town, was destroyed on December 1, blocking vehicles travelling towards Lashio. Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), part of the alliance fighting SAC, captured a regime police camp near the bridge. In retaliation, SAC sent in a jet fighter to attack the Ta’ang armed group.
“Currently, we can travel from Hsipaw to Namlan using the 9-mile Junction Bridge, but if this is destroyed, we will have no place to run,” added the resident.
On November 12, TNLA destroyed Kyinthi Bridge between Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships to prevent the regime from sending reinforcements this way. The destruction of both bridges has caused massive inflation in Hsipaw town.
A bus driver traveling between Hsipaw and Lashio mentioned that the fare has increased to $14 after his route was changed to include passes through Mansan and Mong Yai. He also noted that after the destruction of Sint-Ann Bridge, the cost of food has drastically increased in Hsipaw town.
Since the alliance started attacking SAC troops in Hsipaw Township on November 22, over 4,000 people have fled to Buddhist monasteries in the town and surrounding villages. Volunteers have reported that these people lack basic food items and medicine.
