Rebecca Henschke
Appearances
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
In a jungle camp near the Thai-Myanmar border, pro-democracy rebel commander Dewa watches over his troops' training.
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
Later, Dewa lies in a hammock under some trees at the side of their makeshift camp and picks up his phone, one of his key weapons in the war. He's talking to a spy, a soldier in the Yangon region. They're known as watermelons, green on the outside, appearing to be loyal to the regime, but inside, red, working for the pro-democracy uprising.
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
As well as ordinary troops, Dewo also controls underground cells in Yangon that are carrying out targeted attacks against the regime. He makes another call. This time, it's to one of his cells in Yangon. We're not given the details, but it's clear they're planning an assassination.
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
While the underground cell makes plans, Dewa is moving his ground unit. He's received a tip-off from a watermelon about a security post near a strategically located bridge.
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
Dewa deploys his men on the opposite side of the bridge over a fast-flowing river. Sandbags are put in place and snipers position themselves. Come quickly and join the people. You have no way to escape, they yell. At night, on the 10th day, they make a final push, using a drone to target the security post. It goes up in flames.
Global News Podcast
US sends diplomats to Syria
The regime are aggressively trying to reclaim lost territory and are carrying out sweeps looking for watermelons. If caught, they would likely be killed. But this frontline watermelon says it's worth the risk. For security reasons, his words are being voiced by an actor.