Armed clashes in the village of Mocímboa da Praia, in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, have been causing the population to flee since dawn today, three months after an invasion by rebels.
Residents described to Lusa that the Mozambican military is fighting armed groups that are supposed to be the same ones that on March 23 occupied the coastal village for a day, in an action later claimed by the ‘jihadist’ Islamic State group.
In at least two of the statements it is reported that there are deaths following today’s clashes, but without further details. This is the biggest confrontation that has been reported in Cabo Delgado since the occupation by insurgents of the village of Macomia, between 28 and 30 May, and consequent confrontation with the Mozambican defense and security forces.
Mocímboa da Praia is one of the main villages in the province, located 70 kilometers south of the construction area of the natural gas exploration project conducted by several international oil companies and led by Total. One resident reported that gunfire and gunfire began in the suburbs during the early hours of the morning.
