The Rise of the Watermelons: Soldier-Spies Reshape Myanmar's Pro-Democracy Fight

**The Watermelons: A Symbol of Dual Loyalty** The term "Watermelon" is emblematic of the duality these spies embody—green on the outside, representing loyalty to the military, and red within, symbolizing allegiance to the pro-democracy cause. This clever nomenclature captures the essence of their clandestine operations, where outward appearances mask their true intentions. With the military controlling less than a quarter of the territory in Myanmar, these spies are proving instrumental in providing intelligence to the People's Defense Forces (PDF), a coalition of civilian militias fighting for democracy. **The Shift in Allegiance: A Soldier's Story** One of the soldier-spies, known as Kyaw (not his real name), recounts the harrowing experiences that compelled him to aid the resistance. Witnessing the military's brutality against civilians shattered his faith in the institution he once served. "I saw the bodies of tortured civilians. I shed tears," he recalls. Kyaw's poignant realization that the military had transformed from a protector to a terrorizing force prompted him to become a spy rather than defect outright. By leaking vital military information, he is not only aiding the resistance but also financially supporting their efforts by sending part of his wage. **The Impact of Intelligence on the Ground** The intelligence gathered by soldier-spies like Kyaw has proven crucial for the PDF's operations. With the military's control diminishing, the rebels are utilizing this information to execute ambushes, evade attacks, and strategically position themselves in contested areas. The BBC's investigation reveals that ethnic armies and various resistance groups now control 42% of the country's territory, a significant shift in the power dynamic. This intelligence-driven approach marks a turning point in the conflict, as the rebels become increasingly adept at countering the military's might.