Light Infantry Battalions 503 and 504 of the State Administration Council (SAC) detonated explosives at the Mong Tay Bridge, hindering the passage of vehicles along a crucial route connecting Hsipaw to Namtu townships, according to Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
A concerned individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed SHAN that the bridge has not fully collapsed yet. He explained that motorcycles can still cross it, but larger vehicles cannot. “I attempted to travel from Hsipaw to Namtu yesterday, but the Burma army prevented us from crossing the bridge.”
Fighting has intensified in both townships following the recent successes of the Three Brotherhoods Alliance, of which the TNLA is a part. The alliance captured numerous SAC bases and towns in the last two months.
Many civilians fleeing the violence have relied on the bridge to seek safety.
A female volunteer aiding displaced civilians stated, “People from Muse and Namkham cannot cross the bridge. Travelers from Mandalay, Nawngkio, and Kyaukme towns, aiming to reach Lashio, are also affected.” She added that it has increased the distance volunteers must travel to deliver relief supplies to those affected by the war.
Since the commencement of its 1027 Operation, which began on October 27, the Northern Brotherhood Alliance has destroyed several key bridges crucial for trade. In total, including the Mong Tay Bridge, five bridges have been destroyed in northern Shan State.
Over the past two months, the TNLA has captured Namkham, Namhsan, Manton, Mong Lon, and Namtu towns. Currently, the conflict is escalating in Hsipaw and Kyaukme townships.
