Mozambique: FADM kills 50 suspected militants in Cabo Delgado province May 13-14

Event

On Thursday, May 14, the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) announced that it had killed 50 suspected jihadists in northern Cabo Delgado province. The majority of the militants were killed on Wednesday, May 13, when the military intercepted a convoy near Cuamacua (Mocimboa da Praia district), destroying the militants' vehicles and killing 42 of them. Another eight militants were killed on Thursday morning (local time) during an attempted assault in Quissanga district. The operations follow a series of militant attacks between Sunday, May 3, and Tuesday, May 12, that resulted in 11 villages destroyed, six civilians wounded, and 14 others missing.

Reprisal militant attacks and further FADM operations are likely in Cabo Delgado province over the near term.

Context

Cabo Delgado province has seen an increase in Islamist militant activity against government forces in 2020. While the most prominent militant group operating in Cabo Delgado province is Ansar al-Sunna, also known as Al-Shabaab (not related to the Somali Al-Shabaab), Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) fighters have recently carried out significant attacks. An estimated 900 civilians have been killed, and at least 150,000 more have fled Cabo Delgado since the insurgency began in 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Cabo Delgado province are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by 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.