The once-powerful Myanmar military is fracturing from within as undercover soldiers, known as “Watermelons,” assist pro-democracy rebels in crucial efforts against the junta, BBC investigations reveal. The military currently controls less than a quarter of Myanmar’s territory, with significant losses reported over the past year.
In a BBC interview, a major from central Myanmar, who spoke under the name Kyaw, detailed his transition from military to rebel sympathizer, motivated by the brutality he witnessed firsthand. “I saw the bodies of tortured civilians. How can they be so cruel against our own people?” he reflected. Since the military coup in February 2021, over 20,000 individuals have reportedly been detained, and countless others killed, sparking widespread resistance.
Kyaw decided to become a spy for the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), relaying critical military intelligence to aid the rebels. His insights help coordinate ambushes and provide vital updates on military activity, allowing the rebels to strategize more effectively.
Recent BBC assessments show that as of mid-November, Myanmar’s military controls only 21% of the country, while ethnic armies and resistance groups govern 42% of the territory. Central commands are struggling due to coordinated efforts between various rebel factions. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing has acknowledged increased pressure on his forces, partly due to the intelligence provided by these Watermelon spies.
The recruitment of spies has intensified, with former intelligence officers like Win Aung verifying and disseminating information from those embedded in the military system. He emphasized their ongoing effort to establish trust and strict verification protocols to prevent double agents from infiltrating their ranks.
Motivations among the spies vary. Kyaw’s anger was a key driver, while “Moe,” a navy corporal, was compelled by the desire to protect his family in the face of an uncertain and perilous future. Like Kyaw, Moe began leaking intelligence about troop movements, crucial to the resistance’s operations.
Pro-democracy rebel leader Daeva outlined the ultimate goal of their efforts: to capture Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. However, with the military retaining control over major urban areas, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge.
Daeva coordinates attacks from his jungle base using Watermelon intelligence, including one recent operation aimed at an assassination attempt on a military colonel. While these tactical successes are notable, they come at a cost, as spies like Moe face dangers from both the military and rebel operations.
When faced with escalating risks, spies may seek extraction from dangerous areas through underground networks of safe houses. After a close call during a rebel attack, Moe chose to leave his unit and relocate to a resistance-controlled area for the safety of his family.
As the military aggressively seeks to regain lost territory, it continues to conduct deadly bombings. The resistance has not formed a monolithic front, allowing the military to exploit existing divisions while facing increasing brutality as it loses ground.
The situation for Watermelon spies remains perilous; they operate under constant fear of detection or reprisals. Acknowledging their sacrifices, Win Aung vowed that when the time comes for victory, these spies will not be forgotten.
The BBC’s investigation included extensive interviews with over 14,000 village groups throughout the country, determining the extent of military control and resistance presence. This research relied on insights from unaffiliated sources to offer a clearer picture of Myanmar’s complex power dynamics amid ongoing conflict.
Credit: BBC News
