Terrorists launch 154 attacks in northern Mozambique
Insurgents targeted 16 districts between June and October, with most violence concentrated in Cabo Delgado province.
More than 150 terrorist incursions were recorded in northern Mozambique over five months, from June to October. The majority of these 154 attacks occurred in Cabo Delgado province, according to a presentation at a Centre for Strategic Analysis of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CAE/CPLP) seminar in Maputo.
Brigadier-General Sérgio Estrela, Commander of the EU Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ), told attendees that insurgent groups are mobile and adapt their tactics, including kidnappings for ransom. These attacks spread across 16 districts, 15 in Cabo Delgado and one in Niassa, affecting 120 localities and challenging Mozambique's Defence and Security Forces (FADM).
The Islamic State of Mozambique claimed responsibility on November 1 for killing 14 people in Muidumbe and Mueda districts the previous week. Local communities report limited FADM presence in these areas, allowing insurgents freedom of movement. An investigator noted that despite external training and equipment efforts, security and human rights violations persist.
Why it mattersOver 150 terrorist attacks in five months have disrupted security and led to killings in northern Mozambique, affecting local communities.