Mozambique: Militants assault another town in Cabo Delgado province March 25 /update 2

Event

Suspected jihadist militants assaulted another town in Cabo Delgado province on the morning (local time) of Wednesday, March 25. Gunmen raided Quissanga, located approximately 50 km (31 mi) from Macomia along the coast. According to local sources, the attackers seized the local police station and set it on fire. Residents either fled by boat or on foot to the Quirimbas archipelago. No casualties were immediately reported.

Additional militant attacks and security operations are expected in the province over the near term.

Context

Wednesday’s attack comes two days after militants briefly seized parts of Mocímboa da Praia on Monday, March 23. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack and said that dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting. Government forces pushed the militants out of the town on Tuesday, March 24, but have not confirmed any casualties.

Ahlu Sunna Wa-Jamo/Ansar Al-Sunna (Al-Shabaab) is believed to be responsible for carrying out attacks against local businesses, government installations, and security forces in Cabo Delgado province since October 2017. The Islamic State group has also claimed to be active in the province and alleged that its militants carried out the group's first attack in Mocímboa da Praia district in June 2019.

Advice

Individuals in Cabo Delgado province are advised to monitor developments, 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.