By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – After nearly two weeks of successive militant operations on islands off the coast of Mocímboa da Praia district, government security forces mounted a response last week.
At least three insurgents were killed during a clash on 30 January in waters off Mocímboa da Praia, when Islamic State-linked militants were allegedly attempting to return boats they had recently seized on Muissune Island.
According to local sources, security forces identified as naval marines from Mozambique’s Navy intercepted the group, triggering an intense exchange of fire.
During the confrontation, three insurgents were killed, one source said, while the remaining fighters retreated.
One of the boats used by the group was also destroyed after sustaining significant engine damage, rendering it unusable.
The incident was separately confirmed by a source close to the owner of one of the seized vessels.
Meanwhile, a security advisory issued by an organisation that provides security information to non-governmental organisations operating in Cabo Delgado province warned partners that continuous gunfire has been reported in the Quiterajo area since 29 January, suggesting clashes between insurgents and defence and security forces, including the use of helicopters.
Quiterajo Administrative Post is considered one of the last remaining insurgent strongholds in Cabo Delgado, where Mozambique’s armed forces and Rwandan defence forces have been attempting, without success, to dislodge the fighters. The area also serves as a gateway to the Catupa region, believed to host the insurgents’ main base. (MT)
