By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Seven soldiers of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) were killed in attacks by insurgents in Mitope in Mocímboa da Praia district.
The attack took place in the afternoon of 23 April, and the following day the Islamic State claimed the attack, and showed on its propaganda channels pictures of the dead soldiers.
This is the first major attack so far this month in Cabo Delgado province.
Mitope is a few kilometres west of Awasse and is considered the base of an active insurgent cell which extorts money from motorists using the province’s main north-south highway (EN380).
In claiming the attack, the Islamic State also alleged that its members burnt down the FADM military camp and seized guns and ammunition.
Local sources say that the military position attacked was set up recently to guarantee the return of formerly displaced people.
On the same day, 23 April, another group of insurgents attacked, near the Roma village, a passenger bus travelling between Mueda district and Tanzania. Armed men opened fire against the vehicle, destroying the windows, and causing other damage.
The driver was injured in one of his arms, but the passengers escaped unharmed.
The Mozambican authorities have not yet confirmed the attacks officially, and have kept silent about events related with the insurgency. (MT)
