– Local militias attempt to repel village invasions with little success
– Government prepares military response to stabilise Chiúre, including deployment of forces from Maputo
By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Insurgent groups continue to carry out attacks in Chiúre district, in the south of Cabo Delgado, without significant resistance from the Defence and Security Forces.
On Monday night, jihadists attacked and set fire to houses in the village of Melija, located in Samora Machel locality, Ocua Administrative Post. The group entered the village at around 7 p.m., fired shots for nearly an hour to disperse residents, and after the population fled, proceeded to torch homes and commercial establishments.
The only resistance the insurgents have faced has come from local militias. The invasion of Melija was preceded by clashes between the attackers and the Namparamas, a community militia that attempted to block the armed group from entering the village. At least two militia members were injured before fleeing, leaving the village unprotected.
According to local sources, the insurgents arrived in Ocua Administrative Post on Sunday (27), days after launching attacks in Chiúre Velho. The group passed through the villages of Nacivar and Mahipa, near the district capital, then continued on to Napela and Nivussakove without encountering any security forces.
In Nivussakove, the attackers raided a shop, looted food supplies, and held a couple and their children hostage for around three hours.
The recent attacks have displaced hundreds of families, many of whom are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages.
The government in Maputo is preparing a military response to address the insurgency, which includes deploying forces to Chiúre. However, there is notable silence regarding the involvement of Rwandan troops, whose deployment had been observed in previous attacks.
Security sources suggest that the government’s priority is to ensure the security of northern districts, particularly Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, due to their proximity to LNG projects. Deploying Rwandan troops to the south could leave these northern areas exposed, especially at a time when TotalEnergies is preparing to lift its force majeure declaration and resume construction activities in Afungi, aimed at natural gas exploration and liquefaction. (MT)
