– Attacks are targeting more complex sites, showing increased jihadist boldness
By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Insurgent activity in northern Mozambique has intensified, with two attacks recorded in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Niassa, targeting the Rwandan Defence Forces and a South African-funded tourism investment.
In the most recent incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 3 May, three soldiers from the Rwandan Defence Forces were killed and nine others injured during a clash with insurgents in the village of Ntotwe, Mocímboa da Praia district, Cabo Delgado province.
The attack was claimed by the Islamic State through its propaganda channels, which also released rare images of the bodies of Rwandan soldiers killed in Cabo Delgado.
According to local sources, the attack began around 2 a.m. when a group of insurgents entered the village. The Rwandan forces stationed in the area attempted to respond, but were ambushed in a deadly surprise assault.
During the incursion, insurgents broke into several shops belonging to local small-scale traders, looting food supplies and other goods. In addition to the looting, they abducted a 14-year-old girl from the village, according to residents who spoke to district administrator Sérgio Cipriano during his visit to the site after the incident.
Local sources also reported that the insurgents seized two RPG-7 rocket launchers from the Rwandan forces during the clash.
A few days before the Cabo Delgado attack, a group of around 40 insurgents raided the hunting area of Kambako Safaris within the Niassa Special Reserve, near the Cabo Delgado border. The assault, which took place on 19 April, resulted in the deaths of two workers, who were reportedly shot and later decapitated. Four other lodge staff members were taken hostage, with the insurgents demanding a ransom of three million meticais – a demand that was refused by the camp’s management.
In response, the attackers set fire to the main camp, destroying facilities, vehicles, fuel, food supplies, and essential equipment for the upcoming hunting season.
The insurgents, who have been increasing the frequency of attacks in recent months across villages in Cabo Delgado, are now demonstrating greater boldness by targeting more complex sites – significantly raising the level of the terrorist threat in northern Mozambique. (MT)
