Islamic State-backed insurgents killed at least three members of the Mozambican security forces over the weekend in attacks on Quirimba island, in the district of Ibo, as well as at least one member of a local militia in Ancuabe district in Cabo Delgado province, local sources told Zitamar News.
On Saturday, a group of insurgents landed on Quirimba island off the coast of Quissanga and beheaded at least three members of the security forces at a police outpost. The arrival of the insurgents sparked panic on the island and much of the population, including the police, fled into the bush, local sources claimed.
Authorities banned all boat access to the islands of Ibo district following the attack, but one source told Zitamar that government officials and other VIPs have been extracted by helicopter and taken to the provincial capital Pemba.
The day before, at least one member of the Naparama, a militia believed locally to have magical powers, was killed and several more were injured in a clash with insurgents around the village of Ntutupue in Ancuabe. Some sources claimed the Naparama suffered four or more fatalities. The Naparama, who do not use firearms, were investigating insurgent movements in Ntutupue when they were ambushed, one local source reported.
Insurgents were also seen in the Praia area of Quissanga town and the nearby village of Mussomero on Saturday. President Filipe Nyusi acknowledged the insurgent presence and claimed they stole 15 bags worth of goods and are trying to spread panic, in a statement given to journalists on his visit to Algeria on Saturday.
Security forces have apparently not responded to the insurgents’ presence in Quissanga. A video circulating online appears to show armed insurgents strolling down a street in Quissanga town. Insurgents have even been seen riding motorbikes unopposed on the road between Mussomero and Quissanga town, according to a local source.
