Islamic State-backed insurgents in Cabo Delgado province were reported moving south into Quissanga district in the past week, prompting security forces to reinforce the districts surrounding the provincial capital Pemba, local sources told Zitamar News.
On 20 October, a group of suspected insurgents were seen in forests nearing the village of Cagembe in northern Quissanga, panicking the local population. Four days later, insurgents passed through Linde village and told locals they were heading to Metuge district, a local source claimed. Insurgent movements were also reported around the villages of Bilibiza, Nivico, and Manicane. Some people in Quissanga reportedly fled to Pemba.
Another group of suspected insurgents was seen passing through the Mucojo area of Macomia district on 22 October, reportedly telling locals that their destination was Mieze, the location of a prison just outside the provincial capital of Pemba. The prison holds a large number of inmates convicted of involvement with the insurgency.
Security forces have increased their alert level and stationed extra troops in Quissanga and Metuge in response. According to unconfirmed reports, around 40 insurgents attempted a boat landing north of Pemba on the evening of 25 October but aborted due to the increased presence of security forces.
Most insurgent activity this year has been concentrated in the central and northern districts of Macomia, Muidumbe and Mocímboa da Praia. Insurgents have not conducted operations in Quissanga since 25 September last year, when fighters attacked the village of Natuco.
This article was produced by Zitamar News under the Cabo Ligado project, in collaboration with Mediafax and ACLED. The contents of the article are the sole responsibility of Zitamar News.
