By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Communities in Memba district, Nampula province, have been facing instability since Sunday due to movements and, in some cases, attacks by insurgents who crossed the Lúrio River from neighbouring Cabo Delgado.
There are indications that some of the insurgents operating in Nampula originate from villages within Memba district itself. In previous years, insurgents had already carried out attacks against communities in this region.
Information on the latest incidents remains scarce. However, MOZTIMES confirmed through local sources that the community of Nacuto was attacked last Tuesday. Insurgents set fire to homes and property, though no fatalities were reported.
A local source said that since Monday, the presence of the militants has forced families from Chipene administrative post and other nearby communities to flee to safer areas, such as Mazua, Alua and even Nampula city.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility on Wednesday for the Nacuto attack, saying its fighters set fire to around 100 huts and a church. On Tuesday, in Minhanha, the group also claimed to have burned another church and about a dozen homes.
A military source told MOZTIMES that Mozambican defence and security forces have been deployed to the Chipene area. (MT)
