In a concerning development, the Moe Kaung Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyine road, near Moe Kaung Village in Thaton Township, Mon State, has been targeted and destroyed by mine attacks. As a result, fuel tankers are unable to reach Mon State, leading to critical fuel shortages in Mawlamyine Township.

On the morning of February 28, fuel tankers destined for Mawlamyine Township found themselves stranded on the now-ruined Moe Kaung bridge.

The manager of a local fuel station in Mawlamyine Township confirmed that the remaining gasoline had been completely sold out the previous morning, leaving only diesel available. Panic buying ensued, exacerbating the fuel scarcity at various stations.

Local residents reported long queues at gas stations as people rushed to secure fuel. The destruction of Moe Kaung Bridge has effectively blocked trucks, including those carrying fuel, from passing through Mon State. In response, smaller vehicles have resorted to using village-to-village roads, resulting in traffic congestion.

To navigate this challenging situation, vehicles departing from Yangon will need to exit via Dingar Seik village, following the road through Kayin Lay Seik village in Moe Kaung. Meanwhile, vehicles arriving from Hpa-an and Mawlamyine must enter through Dingar Seik village and exit at Kayin Lay Seik village, as advised by local authorities.

The Moe Kaung Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyine road near Moe Kaung Pagoda in Moe Kaung Village in Thaton Township was destroyed by a mine early on February 28. 

The local resident said that a house and shops near the bridge were damaged due to the mine explosion and no one was injured.

On the morning of June 29, 2023, the Kyone Eike Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway was also demined.