Headline: Undercover Soldiers: How Myanmar‘s "Watermelons" Tip the Balance in Favor of Pro-Democracy Rebels
Subhead: Once loyal to the military, they’re now covertly aiding the anti-junta fight, turning the tide in Myanmar’s long-standing conflict.
Article:
In the complex and volatile politics of Myanmar, an unexpected force is transforming the balance of power: undercover soldiers, dubbing themselves "Watermelons," are surreptitiously aiding the pro-democracy resistance. These disillusioned military personnel, secretly supporting the opposition, are helping to reclaim territory stolen by the junta since the February 2021 coup.
How ‘Watermelons’ Operate
With their military uniforms hiding their true allegiance, these undercover soldiers – metaphorically known as ‘Watermelons’ for their green exterior but red (pro-democracy) interior – are providing invaluable intelligence. They feed crucial information to the People’s Defense Force (PDF), the armed wing of the anti-junta movement, enabling targeted strikes and helping them evade military counterattacks. Some even donate a portion of their salaries to equip the resistance.
A former military major, Kyaw (not his real name), decided to become a ‘Watermelon’ after witnessing the army’s brutality against civilians. "I saw bodies of civilians who had been tortured. How could they be so cruel to our own people?" he recounts, echoing the sentiments of many who’ve joined the cause.
The ‘Semangka’ Network
Dubbed ‘Semangka’ within the resistance network, these moles operate right from within the military’s ranks. They range from low-ranking privates to high-ranking officers, including those in government positions. A former intelligence officer, Win Aung, now works for the resistance, managing a network of ‘Semangkas’ and vetting them to ensure their loyalty.
agogue, "Military control is weaker than ever," emphasizing that they now only command 21% of Myanmar’s territory, compared to 100% when they seized power in 1962.
Myaung Pyo and the Battle for Yangon
Allied forces, comprising armed ethnic groups and PDF units, now control 42% of the country. The rest is contested, but the trend favors the resistance. A PDF leader, Myaung Pyo, codenamed Daeva, brano the resistance’s expanding influence and their ambition to retake Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and commercial hub.
Yet, recapturing Yangon won’t be easy. It is still firm under military control, and its strategic importance makes it a priority for the junta. Daeva admits, "[Retaking Yangon] is harder to say than to do, but we’re steadily expanding our influence within the city."
The Long Road Ahead
Despite the military’s ongoing efforts to reclaim lost territories and the risks faced by ‘Semangkas,’ the tide seems to be turning in favor of the pro-democracy resistance. As more soldiers turn against their own military, the prospects for change in Myanmar inch closer.