The historic Goteik Viaduct on the Mandalay-Lashio railway line in northern Shan State has been damaged by a military drone strike, as confirmed by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) Information Department. The incident occurred around 9 AM on August 24, when the military’s drone attack intended for a TNLA camp resulted in bombs hitting the bridge instead. The viaduct, constructed in 1899, spans over 2,200 feet and is located between Nawnghkio Station and Nawngpein Station in Kyaukme Township. This engineering marvel has been a crucial transportation link in the region for over a century.
TNLA spokesperson Lwai Ye Oo provided detailed clarification about the incident, confirming that despite accusations from military council-affiliated groups attempting to blame the TNLA for the destruction, the damage was definitively caused by the military’s drone strike. The situation remains tense in the area, with ongoing clashes between the military forces and TNLA near Nawngpein village in Kyaukme Township, as the military continues its offensive operations toward Kyaukme town. The destruction of this historic bridge represents not only a significant loss of infrastructure but also demonstrates the military’s disregard for civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
The damage to the Goteik Viaduct is expected to have substantial impacts on the region’s transportation system, affecting daily civilian movement and commercial flow. The deliberate targeting of such a historic structure for military purposes not only damages the region’s cultural heritage but also reflects the military council’s apparent willingness to impose hardships on civilian populations. The viaduct has been a symbol of engineering excellence and a crucial transportation link for generations, and its damage represents a significant loss to both the practical infrastructure needs of the region and its historical significance.
