Historic Goteik viaduct damaged as clashes escalate in northern Shan State

The historic Goteik railway viaduct was damaged by an explosion in northern Shan State’s Nawnghkio Township on Sunday as intense fighting continued between junta forces and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), according to local sources. The 125-year-old bridge—one of Myanmar’s most iconic colonial-era engineering landmarks—was partially damaged in the early hours of August 24. Residents said the explosion occurred near the tunnel entrance on the Kyaukme side of the viaduct. “It wasn’t completely destroyed, but there was definitely an explosion,” a Nawnghkio resident told Myanmar Now. “Since fighting was ongoing, no one knows exactly how bad the damage is yet.” Pro-junta propaganda pages were the first to report the incident, accusing the TNLA of carrying out the attack. Myanmar Now has contacted TNLA spokesperson Lt.-Col. Mai Aik Kyaw for comment, but has not received a response. The Goteik viaduct, completed in 1900, stretches 2,260 feet across a deep gorge and connects the towns of Nawnghkio and Kyaukme. It remains the only railway link between northern Shan State and Mandalay Region. However, rail services have been suspended since early 2021 after railway workers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in the wake of the coup, leaving the line inactive for over four years. The explosion came amid heavy clashes in villages near the viaduct—particularly Naung Pain and Htan Tapin—where TNLA and junta troops have been engaged in intense fighting since August 19. Locals said junta troops reached Naung Pain on August 23, just three miles from Htan Tapin, further escalating the conflict. The same day, the military launched airstrikes on Naung Pain, reportedly causing civilian casualties. “They dropped bombs on the village and fired heavy artillery. Some homes caught fire. One man was killed, and some people were trapped,” a Naung Pain resident told Myanmar Now. Naung Pain is a village located about 20 miles from Kyaukme and had been under the control of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA). Analysts say the village is strategically significant—its capture could give the junta a tactical advantage in its push to retake Kyaukme. SSPP/SSA troops stationed in the village reportedly withdrew when the fighting between TNLA and junta forces began. Myanmar Now is attempting to contact the SSPP/SSA for comment. The TNLA seized Kyaukme and Hsipaw last year during a sweeping offensive that overran several junta positions along the China-Myanmar trade corridor. However, the junta regained control of Nawnghkio in July and is now pushing further north. The military appears determined to reclaim all towns along the trade route currently held by the TNLA and its ally, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which was forced to relinquish control of Lashio in April under a China-brokered deal.

Historic Goteik viaduct damaged as clashes escalate in northern Shan State

The incident occurred as regime forces continue their push to retake northern Shan State towns captured by anti-junta groups last year

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