Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Indian-owned Gemrock ruby mine in Cabo Delgado on 20 October, in the latest issue of its weekly newspaper Al-Naba, published on Thursday 3 November.
The newspaper also acknowledges a slew of other attacks across the province, following several weeks of relative quiet regarding IS-Mozambique's activity in Al-Naba and affiliated social media channels.
Al-Naba stated that “soldiers of the Caliphate” attacked the mining company, which had “stolen the wealth of Muslims”, destroying 30 trucks and vehicles and causing “great economic losses to the owners in India.”
Pictures circulating on social media in the immediate aftermath of the attack confirm that insurgents burned at least a dozen vehicles in addition to destroying mining equipment and accommodation.
Al-Naba also claimed attacks in Namuno, Chiure, Macomia, Nangade and Ancuabe, dating back to 17 October. The previous two issues of Al-Naba dedicated less than half a page to Mozambique, as opposed to the two-page spread this week. The reasons behind the delay in internal IS communications are unclear.
