Mozambique’s military has announced the initiation of a significant operation in the northern region of the country following a recent attack attributed to jihadist militants. This particular incident, which reportedly resulted in the beheading of three local individuals, has escalated concerns over security in the Cabo Delgado province, an area that has been increasingly besieged by violence linked to extremist groups.
The attack occurred over the weekend at an artisanal gold mine in the Meluco district, located approximately 150 kilometers south of the Tanzanian border. Eyewitness accounts from local sources indicate that the attackers killed two men and one woman before coercing other miners present at the site into surrendering money to secure their own escape. Local NGO representative Adolfo Manuel highlighted the brutality of the assault, underscoring the dire situation facing those residing in this volatile region.
In response to the growing threat, the Mozambique defense force confirmed the occurrence of what they termed a “terrorist attack,” mobilizing troops to confront the insurgents who continue to jeopardize the safety of local communities. The military’s statement emphasized the deployment of Mozambican soldiers in collaboration with Rwandan forces, a partnership that emerged in 2021 when troops from Rwanda and neighboring countries were sent to bolster security in the area following the resurgence of violence.
Since the onset of the insurgency in 2017, attributed to groups with links to the Islamic State, nearly 5,800 lives have been lost. The ongoing conflict has not only devastated local populations but has also hindered the development of substantial offshore gas reserves discovered in Cabo Delgado over a decade ago. International energy giant TotalEnergies had previously halted a major gas project in the region following a lethal attack in 2021, indicating that operations would only resume once stability and security are guaranteed.
The latest military operation in Cabo Delgado is strategically designed to identify and dismantle the hideouts of terrorist groups, with the aim of restoring safety and stability to the region. As the Mozambique military continues its efforts against the insurgency, the humanitarian crisis in the area remains a pressing concern, with many residents caught in the crossfire of violence and insecurity.
