Terrorists threaten more attacks in Mozambique

MAPUTO, Mozambique

A video distributed by the self-styled “Islamic State” terrorist group, in which Mozambican jihadists swear loyalty to their dead leader, Abu Al-Hussein Al-Qurashi, promises further attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado in the coming days.

According to a report in Monday’s issue of the independent newssheet “Carta de Mocambique” the video lasts for two minutes and 51 seconds, and was supposedly filmed in a forested area near the Messalo River, in Cabo Delgado.

Spoken in Swahili, the video says the group will avenge the death of Al-Qurashi by increasing its attacks against those whom it calls “Christians”. The video also shows a session of military training.

Since the start of this year, the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM), and their allies from Rwanda and from SADC (Southern African Development Community) have been working in the area of the Messalo River to dismantle terrorist bases, in an operation codenamed “Vulcao IV”.

A military source, cited by “Carta de Mocambique”, said that two bases have been identified in Muidumbe and Macomia districts. One is used for training purposes, and the other for holding hostages.

Defence Minister Cristaovao Chume, accompanied by the Commander of the Mozambican army, Maj-Gen Tiago Nampele, last Thursday visited the Rwandan forces stationed in the Cabo Delgado district of Mocimboa da Praia. They were received by the commander of the Rwandan force, Maj-Gen Eugene Nkubito.

Chume praised the improvement in the Cabo Delgado security situation, and visited places from which the terrorists were driven last year, including the port of Mocimboa da Praia. He also praised the continuing cooperation between the Mozambican, Rwandan and SADC forces, who are dislodging the terrorists from their new bases along the Messalo river.

Source: AIM