Hpa-an To Thathon Bridge Attacked With Explosives
By Network Media Group
Thursday, July 13, 2023
The longest bridge on the Hpa-an – Thathon highway is the latest to be damaged by an explosion in Karen State. According to locals, the 60-foot bridge was attacked at 1am on 10 July.
Although one lane is still passable, the base and railing were severely damaged and the platform of the bridge near Guwa between Wahbotaw and Banyint Nyi Cave is cracked.
“One vehicle can cross the bridge at a time,” but it is not safe, said a man who requested anonymity after regime officials inspected the bridge that serves as a major trade route to Yangon, Burma’s commercial capital.
In late June, the Karen National Liberation Army’s Brigade 1 and the People’s Defence Force used explosives to destroy the Kyon Eik Bridge between Thathon and Bee Lin townships, another route connecting trade between Yangon, Mawlamyine and Myawaddy. They also destroyed bridges on the Yangon – Hpa-an and Yangon – Mottama roads.
The armed groups fighting to overthrow the regime said they targeted these bridges because the Burma army uses them to transport soldiers and supplies through the region.
Earlier this month, the exiled National Unity Government’s Southern Regional Command 2 asked people not to travel on the Yangon – Hpa-an and Yangon – Mottama roads between 6pm and 6am and to roll down their windows during the day to be prepared for random inspections by its forces and allied forces. It warned that it wouldn’t take responsibility for accidents if drivers failed to comply with these orders.
