Navy Announces Neutralisation of Four Insurgents Off Mocímboa da Praia

- Operation comes in response to an escalation in terrorist attacks in recent weeks

- On the same Saturday, insurgents seized a fishing boat carrying more than 20 people off Muissune Island

By MOZTIMES

Pemba (MOZTIMES) – The Mozambican Navy announced on Monday that it had neutralised four insurgents during clashes off Mocímboa da Praia over the weekend. Three insurgents were killed in combat, and one was captured, the Navy said in a statement published on an unverified Facebook page.

Although the page where the information was published is not verified as belonging to the Mozambican Navy, MOZTIMES confirmed through independent sources that it is used to publicise the activities of that branch of the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces.

In a brief statement accompanied by photographs, the Navy said the operation was conducted by marines, with support from the Pemba Naval Squadron, and began on Saturday (17) in the waters and islands of Mocímboa da Praia district.

“Three AKM firearms and various goods were also seized, and a boat used to provide logistical support to the insurgents was sunk,” the statement said. It also indicated that five soldiers were wounded and evacuated to Pemba for medical treatment.

Boat carrying more than 20 fishermen seized by insurgents in Mocímboa da Praia

On the same Saturday that the marines’ operation began, a boat carrying more than 20 fishermen was seized shortly after leaving Muissune Island, off Mocímboa da Praia.

Relatives of some of the fishermen on board told MOZTIMES that the boat belongs to Sujai Azicane, a resident of the town of Mocímboa da Praia. According to the sources, the boat was engaged in fishing that morning when insurgents approached it and escorted it, with its occupants on board, to the mouth of the Messalo River, south of Mocímboa da Praia.

By the end of Monday, there was still no information about the fishermen’s whereabouts. It is unclear whether the operation announced by the Navy was intended to free the captured fishermen. The statement makes no reference to this incident.

Attack and abduction of a minor in Nangade

On the same Saturday morning, another group of insurgents attacked the community of Nkonga, in the Ntamba administrative post, Nangade district, in northern Cabo Delgado. Four people were abducted and forced to carry food and other goods looted during the attack.

After carrying the goods to an insurgent base in the area, the abductees were released, except for a girl who remains in the group’s custody. Insurgents have stepped up the abduction of children in Cabo Delgado, who are trained and radicalised to become fighters. Girls are forced to marry insurgent leaders.

The attack on Nkonga took place while the Frelimo party’s provincial first secretary was on a working visit to Ntamba’s administrative centre, about 30 kilometres from the site of the attack. The political activity had to be cut short for security reasons.

In the final weeks of September and early October, insurgents intensified their attacks in northern Cabo Delgado. Between 18 and 28 September, they attacked three villages along the N380, Mangoma, south of Mocímboa da Praia town, and Quelimane and Maputo, to the north. On 5 October, insurgents killed and beheaded two people in the bush at Nagondo, near the villages of Panazi and Mitumbate, in northern Mocímboa da Praia.

The insurgents are believed to travel by boat between villages to the south and north of the town of Mocímboa da Praia. The Navy’s operation may be intended to cut off logistical support to the insurgents. (MT)

Transport and tourism critical for strengthening cooperation with Tanzania – Chapo

Mozambique’s Universities Are Producing Too Many Unemployed Graduates, Chapo Warns

Government Reforms Domestic Work Rules to Align with International Standards

Mozambique Launches New Aviation Academy

Venancio Mondlane re-elected President of Anamola

Mozambique Aims to Roll Out a Nationwide 5G Network by 2030

Chapo Calls for “More Effective” Decentralisation

Frelimo Sacks Its Entire Leadership in Gaza

Management of Largest Conservation Area Suspended

Trending Tags

Transport and tourism critical for strengthening cooperation with Tanzania – Chapo

Mozambique’s Universities Are Producing Too Many Unemployed Graduates, Chapo Warns

Government Reforms Domestic Work Rules to Align with International Standards

Mozambique Launches New Aviation Academy

Venancio Mondlane re-elected President of Anamola

Mozambique Aims to Roll Out a Nationwide 5G Network by 2030

Chapo Calls for “More Effective” Decentralisation

Frelimo Sacks Its Entire Leadership in Gaza

Management of Largest Conservation Area Suspended

Trending Tags

Navy Announces Neutralisation of Four Insurgents Off Mocímboa da Praia

Insurgents Step Up Child Abductions in Cabo Delgado Ahead of Rainy Season

Search by categories

Category

Recent Posts

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Add New Playlist

Not enough quota to unlock this post

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Trending Tags

Trending Tags

Navy Announces Neutralisation of Four Insurgents Off Mocímboa da Praia

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Desbloquear

Insurgents Step Up Child Abductions in Cabo Delgado Ahead of Rainy Season

Search by categories

Search from tags

Category

Recent Posts

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Add New Playlist

Not enough quota to unlock this post

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?