Mozambique: Security forces kill nine militants in Cabo Delgado June 2

Event

On Saturday, June 2, police forces reportedly killed nine members of Al-Shabaab - an Islamist militant group without known links to the Somali group by the same name - in Cabo Delgado province. According to local sources, the clashes took place near the village of Monjane, located near Palma, where on May 29 suspected militants beheaded at least ten people. Additional militant attacks and clashes between militants and security forces are possible in the area in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Several attacks have taken place in the area since October 2017. The violence appears to be driven by resentment among the local Muslim population toward the state. A group of dozens of young men, locally referred to as "Al-Shabaab," or "the youths," is suspected of being behind these attacks. The group has no confirmed ties to the infamous jihadist organization of the same name active in Somalia and, to a lesser extent, in Kenya.

Advice

Individuals present in Mozambique are advised to remain vigilant at all times (especially during public events, as well as in crowded places) and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.