Explosion destroys Sint-in Bridge in Hsipaw-Lashio Union Highway

Sint-in Bridge on Hsipaw-Lashio Union Highway in northern Shan State was blown up and destroyed the bridge, according to sources.

In the continuing skirmishes between Tatmadaw and northern alliance force in Hsipaw, a police outpost near Hsipaw toll gate was attacked and torched on November 30.

Likewise, Sint-in Bridge in Hsipaw-Lashio Union Highway and a small unit was attacked on the morning of December 1 and the bridge was exploded. As a result, it collapsed around 3:00 pm according to locals.

“On the night of November 30, a police outpost near Hsipaw toll gate was attacked. We saw flames of fire from the toll gate. Clashes also broke out on December 1 near Sint-in Bridge. A police outpost and a small unit were under attacked. The bridge was destroyed but small vehicles and motorcycles were accessible after the explosion but it collapsed around 3:00 pm,” said a Hsipaw local to the Eleven Media.

Kyin Thi Bridge connecting Kyaukme and Hsipaw in Mandalay- Lashio Union Highway was also blasted on November 12. It collapsed on the morning of November 13. Now, Sint-in Bridge connecting Hsipaw and Lashio was collapsed. As a result, Hsipaw locals are in anxiety over their security and their daily lives, according to locals.

“How can we survive as the two important bridges are destroyed and collapsed? We now have only one route from Namtlan. We don’t dare to think of our safety,”  according to a Hsipaw local.

Basic commodities prices have increased due to continued clashes between Tatmadaw and TNLA alliance forces. More than 3,000 IDPs are in need of food, according to social organizations in Hsipaw.