Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defense and Security Council, said that strong retaliatory actions will continue regarding the destruction of the Goteik Viaduct.

He explained that on the morning of August 24, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) blew up part of the 125-year-old Goteik Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Shan State.

“At about 9:10 this morning, TNLA terrorists planted explosives and destroyed the northern section of the Goteik Viaduct, which connects Nawnghkio and Kyaukme. According to actual photos, the steel frame and the brick foundation on that side of the bridge have been severely damaged. The Goteik Viaduct is not only an important bridge linking northern Shan State with central Myanmar but also a historic landmark built during the British era. It is a bridge that the entire country is proud of and one that the public relies on. By destroying it, the TNLA and PDF terrorists have shown their cruelty and malicious intent against the entire population. In response, we will continue to take strong countermeasures,” he said.

According to investigations by Eleven Media Group, the TNLA group had prepared in advance by planting mines to demolish the historic structure. Social media users strongly condemned the destruction of the 125-year-old heritage site, criticizing TNLA’s actions as unacceptable.

Major General Zaw Min Tun added, “From our assessment, it would not have been easy to carry out such an operation. TNLA and PDF forces are constantly active in the area, but to destroy a bridge of this scale requires specific intent and the use of large amounts of explosives.”

In February 2025, TNLA also replaced the symbolic Shan State emblem at the entrance to Hsipaw with their own Ta’ang ethnic emblem. This move was strongly denounced by Shan organizations as an attempt to erase Shan heritage.

On February 7, TNLA removed the Shan State emblem at the Hsipaw entrance gate and replaced it with the Ta’ang ethnic symbol. The Shan State Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) later issued a statement on February 10 condemning TNLA for acts of destruction against the cultural and historical heritage of the Shan people.