Concern as terrorism spreads from Cabo Delgado to Niassa in Mozambique
Residents of Cabo Delgado look on as a patrol of Rwandan soldiers drives by in Quitunda Camp in Afungi, Cabo Delgado, on September 22, 2021.
What you need to know:
- The country´s Defence Minister Mr Cristóvão Chume said Tuesday that the presence of terrorists in Niassa province was already a reality.
- Since October 2017, the terrorists have attacked numerous villages, killed more than 2,500 people, and destroyed property.
Mozambique authorities have expressed concern over the spread of terrorism from Cabo Delgado to Niassa province.
Until about a month ago, a terrorist group operated in Niassa. The group is now reported to have opened a new front in Cabo Delgado.
The terrorists entered Niassa province a fortnight ago and attacked Mecula district, burning dozens of houses and forcing the population to flee.
The country´s Defence Minister Mr Cristóvão Chume said Tuesday that the presence of terrorists in Niassa province was already a reality.
"The situation in Niassa is worrying, as you know, there are already clear signs of the presence of terrorists", Mr Chume said, adding that government troops were currently in pursuit of the terrorists.
Police general commander, Bernardino Rafael, confirmed that the jihadists who terrorised some districts of Cabo Delgado province had spread their operations to Niassa province.
Mr Rafael also said that the terrorist leader was killed in a combat in Mecula district in Niassa province.
Since October 2017, Al-Shabab rebels have attacked numerous villages, killed more than 2,500 people, and destroyed extensive civilian property and infrastructure, including schools and health centers in Cabo Delgado province.
More than 800,000 people have been displaced since April 2020, following an escalation in the violence.
