- Jihadists expand attacks southward in Cabo Delgado, facing little resistance from Government Forces
By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – A group of insurgents attacked the village of Nnonia, in Ancuabe district, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, on Monday, killing three people, including two civilians and one member of the Local Force militia.
According to local sources, the insurgents moved from the north towards the south. Before reaching Nnonia, the group raided artisanal gold mining sites in the district of Meluco, looting gold, money and mobile phones from miners in the village of Napala, located on the border between Meluco and Ancuabe districts.
During the incursion, the insurgents held miners hostage for about three hours. After the looting, the armed group passed through the village of Magaia before proceeding to Nnonia. Along the way, some young people were taken hostage but were later released unharmed.
Radio Zumbo FM, based in Cabo Delgado, reported that the attack on Nnonia triggered the flight of residents from that village and nearby communities in search of refuge in the village of Nanjua, located along National Road Number 14 (N14), which links the provincial capital, Pemba, to the district of Montepuez.
The insurgents' southward movement followed clashes with Rwandan troops in the north of Macomia district, during an operation carried out last Friday aimed at restoring circulation along National Road Number 380 (N380). The intervention by Rwandan forces led to the disbanding of insurgent groups who had set up checkpoints, disrupted traffic, and kidnapped a public transport operator along the route. (MT)
