1027 Operation Disrupts Union Highway in Northern Shan State
By Network Media Group
Friday, November 3, 2023
Burma’s busiest trade artery, the Union Highway, has been closed from Mandalay all the way to the China border after the Three Brotherhoods Alliance launched its 1027 Operation against the State Administration Council (SAC) one week ago.
The Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reportedly seized nearly 90 junta bases and blew up the bridge along the highway near Hsenwi town. In other parts of the road, the resistance groups have obstructed it with fallen trees.
“Although there’s no official road closure, when people see trees on the road, they must return,” said a driver who refused to provide his name. When he passed a toll gate after Nawngkio, staff told him there was a roadblock near Gok Twin, and he was forced to return to the town, where he’s now waiting with other motorists. The man said the road was completely empty between Ohn Makhar and Nawngkio.
The operation, named after the day it began—October 27—started in Lashio, Kutkai, Muse, Laukkai, Nawngkio, and Kyaukme townships in northern Shan State. Fighting has since spread to Kachin State, as well as Sagaing and Mandalay regions.
The Three Brotherhoods Alliance reported seizing the Hsenwi Police Station and capturing over 30 soldiers from the SAC. They also recently captured four military camps in Mongkoe and Hpoung Hsai areas.
A woman from Namphetka said the groups attacked SAC soldiers protecting the Nam Hkai Bridge.
A man from Muse stated, “Hsenwi Bridge was already destroyed, so people cannot travel between Lashio and Muse. The Burma army has not allowed vehicles or motorcycles to cross the Nam Paw Bridge, which is not far from Namphetka.”
The TNLA and People’s Defense Force clashed with SAC troops near Kyauk Kyan, between Nawngkio and Kyaukme townships, closing the highway between Nawngkio and Pyin Oo Lwin, trapping travelers in Nawngkio town.
