Mozambique: Militants kill three civilians in Cabo Delgado province June 17

Event

Suspected Islamic militants killed three people in an attack near Mocimboa da Praia on Wednesday, June 17. The militants carried out the attack on civilians attending their smallholdings in the village of Chimbanga on Wednesday morning. Another death reportedly occurred in neighboring Muidumbe district on Wednesday. The victim was reportedly stopped by security forces near the village of Xitaxi, although further details have not been given regarding the incident.

A heightened security presence and security operations are to be expected in the near term in the area. Further militant attacks in Cabo Delgado province are highly likely in the medium term.

Context

Cabo Delgado province has seen an increase in Islamist militant activity in 2020. While the most prominent militant group operating in the province is Ansar al-Sunna, also known as Al-Shabaab (not related to the Somali Al-Shabaab), Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) have recently claimed responsibility for several significant attacks. At least 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 all 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.