Resistance forces blockaded a section of the Chindwin River near Shwe Pyi Aye Town in Homalin Township in Sagaing Region, on 28 February 2025, less than three weeks after they had reopened it.
The Chindwin River is a major transport artery between Homalin Town and Monywa City.
As well as being an essential route for the transport of goods from Monywa to the townships of Homalin and Hkamti, the Chindwin River is also an essential supply route bringing reinforcements, ammunition, and supplies to junta forces and their allies in those townships.
Shwe Pyi Aye Town is 32 km south of Homalin Town. It was was captured by PDF factions based in Homalin Township and allied resistance groups on 22 November 2023. They then closed a section of the Chindwin River near Shwe Pyi Aye Town in March 2024.
They then reopened that section of the river almost a year later on 10 February 2025.
But, after junta soldiers and fighters from the allied Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) started advancing towards Shwe Pyi Aye Town the resistance forces again closed the section of river on 28 February, according to a 40-year-old Homalin Township resident who spoke to KNG.
He said: “Although it was reopened just a few days ago, the Chindwin River waterway has been closed again. The People's Defence Force (PDF) blockaded the section after SNA and junta troops began advancing toward Shwe Pyi Aye around four days ago.”
The junta/SNA column of about 200 men which was advancing on Shwe Pyi Aye Town has since turned back, but the resistance forces are keeping the river blockade in place because military tensions are still high in the area. As of 7 March 2025, the river was still blockaded.
A woman from Homalin Township said: “The junta column that headed toward Shwe Pyi Aye has been back in Homalin Town since 5 March and never reached Shwe Pyi Aye. Had they continued their march, fighting would have undoubtedly ensued. As of now, there is no news of the river route being reopened.”
Whilst the section of the Chindwin RIver near Shwe Pyi Aye Town was blockaded consumer goods and medicine had to be airlifted into Homalin and Hkamti townships which led to a significant increase in prices there.
