Mozambique: Militant attacks on civilians continue in northern region /update 1

Event

Police officials have reported an increase in attacks targeting civilian vehicles and buses in the northern Cabo Delgado province as of Tuesday, January 15. At least four people were killed and another four wounded while driving near Manilha on Saturday, January 12. Police officials also said that a person was murdered in a rice-growing area of Nailwa, 5 km (3 mi) from Palma. Military forces have reportedly started escorting public transport vehicles in the region, although attacks have continued. Additional attacks are likely in Cabo Delgado province in the near term.

Context

Suspected Islamist militants reportedly ambushed a van carrying civilians in the Mpundahar area of the Palma district (Cabo Delgado province) on January 6, killing at least seven people. The Ahlu Sunna Wa-Jamo/Ansar Al-Sunna (Shabaab) group is highly suspected of conducting the attacks. Ahlu Sunna Wa-Jamo/Ansar Al-Sunna (Shabaab) has been responsible for carrying out attacks against local businesses, government installations, and security forces in Cabo Delgado province since October 2017. According to local reports, at least 100 people were killed in such attacks.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to parts of Cabo Delgado province. Travelers in or intending to travel to Cabo Delgado should seek professional security support due to the volatile security environment and potential for further attacks.