Islamic State Launches Most Daring Assault in Mozambique in Recent Years | Global News

Islamic State-linked insurgents launched a daring attack on the town of Macomia in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, marking their most audacious assault in over three years. The government reported that its army successfully repelled the attack after just 45 minutes of intense fighting.

This incident is part of a series of violent attacks that have plagued the region since December, indicating a troubling escalation in unrest. The timing is particularly critical as the Mozambican government is actively advocating for the resumption of TotalEnergies SE’s $20 billion liquefied natural gas project, which was halted in 2021 following a devastating insurgent raid in Palma that claimed the lives of over 800 individuals.

Reports suggest that the insurgents struck Macomia from two fronts in the early hours of the morning, with more than 100 fighters participating in the assault. Mozambican forces managed to capture one attacker, who later died in custody, and injured a key leader who managed to escape.

The strategic location of Macomia, situated along the main highway connecting Pemba with the north, underscores its significance in the ongoing conflict. The town is also home to a significant presence of South African troops, who have been aiding Mozambique in combating the insurgency.

As the situation intensifies, the South African National Defence Force is slated to withdraw its troops from Mozambique by July 15, while Rwanda has committed over 2,000 soldiers and police to support the Mozambican government in its fight against the insurgents.

The recent attack in Macomia serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Islamic State-affiliated militants in the region, highlighting the urgent need for continued international support and cooperation to address the escalating crisis.