Suspected Islamic State-linked militants looted and burned a camp owned by football manager Carlos Queiroz, killing two staff members.
An attack on the Mozambique Wildlife Adventures hunting camp near Marangira has resulted in the deaths of a South African conservation trainee and the camp's Mozambican head cook. Thirteen other employees remain unaccounted for following the incident. Suspected insurgents looted and burned the camp, located approximately 40km east of Marrupa and outside the Niassa Special Reserve, before fleeing with stolen goods in a vehicle. This mirrors a similar attack on the Chapungu-Kambako camp in April 2025.
The group's actions suggest a motive of acquiring supplies and transport, with indications they intended to advance further into Niassa province. This region is known for informal mining areas that could provide resources and income, and has also been a source of recruits for the insurgency. The choice of the hunting operation, owned by football manager Carlos Queiroz and hosting American clients, raises the possibility that the attackers sought international attention.
The killing of a South African national has caused alarm among safari operators, as South Africa is a key market providing clients, professional hunters, and expertise to Mozambique's hunting industry. While the American clients were safely evacuated by helicopter, the presence of foreigners at insurgent bases around Catupa suggests a potential for foreign involvement in directing attacks aimed at generating international notice.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected as the attack on a high-profile hunting camp with international clients and foreign staff could deter tourism and investment in Mozambique's safari industry.
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