The Rise of 'Watermelons': Soldier-Spies Reshaping Myanmar's Conflict Landscape

The pro-democracy resistance in Myanmar is gaining ground with the help of "Watermelons," defecting soldiers who leak intelligence to insurgents. This shift is driven by the military's increasing brutality, leading to a fragmented power dynamic where rebel forces now control a significant portion of the territory.

The internal landscape of Myanmar's military conflict is shifting dramatically as the insurgent forces gain crucial support from defecting soldiers, known colloquially as "Watermelons." This term describes soldiers who appear loyal to the regime but secretly collaborate with pro-democracy rebels, fundamentally altering the dynamics of power within the country.

A recent investigation by the BBC indicates that Myanmar's military has seen its control wane, with only 21% of the nation's territory under its command. Defections among soldiers have fueled the resistance's efforts, leading to coordinated campaigns that have forced the military to retreat from significant areas. The UN has documented over 20,000 detentions and thousands of deaths since the 2021 coup that instigated this upheaval.

One such defector, known by the pseudonym Kyaw, documented the harrowing brutality of the military, stating, "How can they be so cruel against our own people? It’s no longer an army; it’s a force that terrorizes." His decision to become a spy was fueled by anger towards the military’s actions against civilians. By leaking military information to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), Kyaw aims to undermine the junta from within while financially supporting the rebel group.

The BBC's assessment of over 14,000 village groups revealed that ethnic militias and civilian rebel forces now dominate 42% of Myanmar's ground, presenting a tangible challenge to the junta's longevity. Newly formed networks among these rebel factions are leveraging Watermelon intelligence to plan counterattacks and organize resistance movements.

A former intelligence officer, referred to as Win Aung, leads a unit dedicated to managing and expanding the Watermelon network. He emphasizes the importance of new recruits, stating that they are coming in at a greater rate than before, utilizing social media for outreach. This intelligence gathering has been pivotal in executing strategic attacks against military forces in contested regions.

Despite the risks, rebels like Kyaw and the former navy corporal Moe continue to operate within the military’s ranks out of fear for their families’ safety and the imminent threat posed by the military’s ruthless counter-sweeps for informants. Moe, under the pressure of an imminent deployment to a dangerous front, sought extraction from his military post, ultimately joining a resistance base safely.

Resistance leaders, driven by the prospect of reclaiming urban centers like Yangon, emphasize the need for continuous infiltration. Daeva, a rebel commander, articulated the challenges ahead but remains determined, executing operations directed from remote bases with the help of the critical intelligence supplied by Watermelons.

The military's retreat is coupled with vicious reprisals as it attempts to claw back control. Witnesses report an increase in brutal attacks against civilian populations, reflecting a desperate bid to maintain authority amid a losing war. UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews noted the escalation of violence aligned with territorial losses, indicating increasing instability for both the military and affected communities.

Throughout this conflict, the legacy of the Watermelons will endure as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who defy oppression from within. As the situation evolves, it becomes clearer that the fight for democracy has given rise to an underground camaraderie that may reshape the future of Myanmar.