Myanmar’s military, once a formidable force, is increasingly weakened by internal fractures as spies within its ranks secretly work for pro-democracy rebels. The military, which staged a coup in 2021, now controls less than a quarter of the country’s territory, according to a BBC World Service investigation.
While the junta maintains control of major cities, it faces significant losses in rural areas. The resistance, comprising ethnic armed groups and civilian militias, now controls 42% of the land, leaving much of the remaining territory contested. This marks a significant decline in the military’s grip, which had been nearly unbroken since it first seized power in 1962.
The Role of “Watermelon” Spies
Known as “Watermelons”—green on the outside to signify military loyalty, red inside to symbolize allegiance to the rebels—these soldier-spies play a pivotal role in the resistance’s growing success. Major Kyaw (a pseudonym), a central figure in this network, explained his decision to turn against the military after witnessing the brutality inflicted on civilians.
“I saw the bodies of tortured civilians. I shed tears,” Kyaw said. “We are supposed to protect civilians, but instead, we’re killing them. This is no longer an army—it’s a force of terror.”
Kyaw leaks military intelligence to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), a network of civilian militias, helping them plan ambushes and avoid attacks. He also sends part of his salary to fund their efforts.
Resistance Gains Ground
Spies like Kyaw have enabled the resistance to make unthinkable strides. The BBC’s analysis of 14,000 villages reveals that Myanmar’s military now controls less land than at any time in recent history. Co-ordinated operations between ethnic armed groups and civilian militias have dealt heavy blows to the military’s forces.
Leaked intelligence from Watermelon spies is instrumental in these efforts. The resistance has established a dedicated unit to manage its growing spy network, which now recruits new informants weekly. These spies range from low-ranking soldiers to high-ranking officers, with some even embedded in the military government.
Personal Risks of Espionage
For many spies, the motivation to join the resistance varies. Kyaw was driven by outrage, while Moe (a pseudonym), a naval corporal, was motivated by fear for his family’s survival.
Moe provided intelligence on weapons and troop movements, often putting his own life at risk. However, the danger of being caught, coupled with the risk of being targeted by resistance attacks, led him to defect to a rebel-controlled area. Moe’s family also fled, hoping to join him in building a new life outside Myanmar.
Challenges for the Resistance
Despite significant territorial gains, the resistance faces challenges. The military retains control of major urban centers, including Yangon, which are critical for infrastructure and revenue. Rebel leaders like Daeva, operating from jungle bases, direct underground cells in urban areas to carry out targeted attacks using Watermelon intelligence.
However, the resistance must contend with the military’s superior air power, provided by Chinese and Russian fighter jets, and internal divisions among its factions. Additionally, the military has intensified its efforts to identify and eliminate Watermelon spies through sweeps and crackdowns.
A Costly Fight for Freedom
The lives of Watermelon spies are fraught with danger. Kyaw continues his espionage, despite the risk of exposure and his inability to defect due to family obligations. “I act like a staunch military supporter to avoid suspicion,” he says, though he fears how long he can maintain this facade.
For those like Moe, the decision to leave the military is a gamble for survival and a better future. The resistance, despite its progress, acknowledges the high human cost of its struggle. Still, it remains committed to dismantling the junta’s grip on the nation.
As Myanmar’s military tightens its grip on the territories it still controls, the pro-democracy movement persists, bolstered by the sacrifices of those who risk everything to see the revolution succeed.