Myanmar junta says historic Gokteik railway bridge ‘bombed, destroyed’

AFP

Myanmar’s ruling military junta said on Sunday a colonial-era bridge that was once the world’s highest railway trestle had been “bombed and destroyed” by anti-coup armed groups.

A civil war has consumed Myanmar since a 2021 coup deposed the civilian government, with the military battling a myriad of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed organisations.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said in a video statement to media that the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and People’s Defence Forces had “bombed and destroyed” Gokteik bridge.

Another statement by the junta said the bridge had been “exploded with mines”.