There has been renewed fighting in the town of Mocímboa da Praia this week, with Islamic State and pro-government sources claiming to have inflicted serious losses on one another.
Fighting began Wednesday night, with locals waking to the sound of gunfire at 4am on Thursday 6 August. Minibuses travelling to Mocímboa da Praia on Thursday morning from the towns of Palma and Mueda were forced to turn back, according to sources in those towns.
A claim published by the Islamic State Central African Province (ISCAP) said they had killed or injured 50 members of the Mozambican armed forces, and overrun two bases. ISCAP also released a photo claiming to show weapons and ammunition captured at one of the bases.
The website Notícias de Defesa, whose ownership remains unknown but which publishes pro-government information on conflict and security in Mozambique, said government forces repelled an insurgent attack on Mocímboa da Praia at 4am on Thursday. The website said the insurgents sought refuge in locals’ houses, leading government forces to conduct house-by-house searches to find them.
This article was produced by Zitamar and Mediafax under the Cabo Ligado project, in collaboration with ACLED and with support from Crisis Group. The contents of the article are the sole responsibility of Zitamar News.
