A colonial-era bridge in Myanmar that was once the world’s tallest railway trestle has been destroyed during fighting in the years-long conflict.
A civil war has consumed Myanmar since a 2021 coup deposed the civilian government, with the military battling myriad pro-democracy guerrilla groups and ethnic armed organisations.
Representatives from the ruling military junta and anti-coup armed groups have blamed each other for the destruction of the landmark Gokteik bridge on Sunday.
In a video statement, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun claimed rebel factions, including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and people’s defence forces groups had “bombed and destroyed” the bridge. A separate statement by the junta said the bridge had been “exploded with mines”.
A TNLA spokesperson rejected this and accused the junta of bombing the bridge. “[The] Myanmar army tried to bomb our bases … this morning by using drones. They bombed our troops, but their bomb also hit Gokteik bridge,” TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo said.
In recent weeks, clashes have erupted between junta forces and TNLA fighters in the nearby towns of Nawnghkio and Kyaukme – though the junta claimed to have recaptured Nawnghkio in July.
Spanning 300 metres and standing 102 metres above a gorge, the structure is the highest bridge in Myanmar and was the tallest railway trestle in the world when it opened in 1901 during the British colonial era.
Videos and photos on social media showed the bridge partly collapsed and damaged.
The bridge is situated at the border of the Nawnghkio and Kyaukme townships in northern Shan State. It is part of the Mandalay-Lashio railway line and draws a number of tourists.
Myanmar’s junta is preparing for a December election that is being boycotted by opposition groups and criticised by international monitors.
Analysts have predicted rebels will stage offensives around the election as a sign of their opposition.
With Agence France-Presse