Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists for the Month of November 2025

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Militant activity across Mozambique, the DRC and Somalia remained intense throughout the month, with each Islamic State affiliate sustaining operational pressure in its respective theatre. In Mozambique, ISM expanded its geographic reach and diversified its tactics, combining targeted killings, village-level assaults and clashes with security forces. The surge in violence across Nampula marked a significant southward extension of activity, driving displacement and testing already thin state and humanitarian capacities. Despite increased deployments by Mozambican and Rwandan forces, insurgents retained the mobility to strike across rural, coastal and peri-urban zones.

In eastern DRC, ISCAP maintained high intensity of operations centered in Lubero and parts of Ituri, directing systematic violence against Christian communities, civilians and local defense groups. The group demonstrated the ability to mount sequential raids, overrun lightly defended areas and conduct executions intended to sow fear and disrupt local cohesion. State and allied responses remained reactive, with security gaps enabling ISCAP to maneuver across forested terrain and multi-actor conflict zones. Humanitarian conditions continued to deteriorate as displacement and protection needs escalated.

In Somalia, ISS sustained a steady rhythm of attacks concentrated in the valleys and mountain ranges of Bari, relying on IEDs, armed contacts and attempted suicide operations to signal ongoing relevance. Puntland’s counter-terrorism pressure disrupted several plots and inflicted losses on ISS cells, though the group continues to benefit from difficult terrain and entrenched safe havens. ISS activity remained contained geographically, but persistent enough to maintain localized insecurity and restrict civilian movement.

MOZAMBIQUE

• 28^th Nov- Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) militants captured and executed three Christians in Intutupue, Ancuabe District.
• 28^th Nov- ISM Militants targeted a Mozambican armed forces naval patrol, off Ilha Mionge Island in Mocímboa da Praia (MDP) district.
• 26^th Nov- ISM terrorists militants led an armed assault on Christians and burnt their homes in Ngangolo in Nangade District, district.
• 22^nd Nov- ISM militants attacked Christians in Nagolo area In Erati District, Nampula province.
• 22^nd Nov- ISM militants captured and brutally executed a Christian in Naparari area In Erati District, Nampula province.
• 21^st Nov- ISM militants captured and brutally executed a Christian in Jakuto area In Erati District.
• 20^th Nov- ISM rebels conducted an armed assault on Christians in Dimayo region in Muidumbe district.
• 20^th Nov- ISM killed four civilians attacked Primeiro de Maio village in Montepuez district.
• 17^th Nov- ISM militants captured and brutally executed two Christians in Piri Piru area in Memba District, Nampula province.
• 16^th Nov- several people were injured after ISM militants attacked civilians in Namajoba area in Nampula province.
• 16^th Nov- ISM militants clashed with Rwandan troops near Limala in MDP, several were reported injured.
• 15^th Nov- ISM rebels orchestrated an armed assault against Rwandan troops In Cogolo in Macomia district.
• 15^th Nov- ISM rebels orchestrated an armed assault against civilians in Nampanha village in Muidumbe district.
• 15^th Nov- ISM rebels conducted an armed assault against Christians in Curua village in Memba district.
• 14^th Nov- ISM militants captured and executed a Christian in Nachi Village in Nampula province
• 14^th Nov- ISM rebels led an armed assault against Christians, Razing at least 60 homes and two churches in Namakuj village in Nampula Province.
• 12^th Nov- several people were injured and others displaced following an armed assault against Christians in Maobola village, Muidumbe district.
• 12^th Nov- ISM terrorists led an armed assault on Mozambican Army Forces in Nkwang, Nampula Province.
• 10^th Nov- several Christians were injured following an armed assault against Christians in Macomia area, Macomia district.
• 09^th Nov- ISM captured and executed one Christian in Congresso area in Macomia district.
• 07^th Nov- ISM terrorists led an armed assault on civilian population in Takwan village in Metuge district.
• 05^TH Nov- ISM fighters abducted Commander Farido Selemane’s two children in MDP without encountering resistance or threatening residents.
• 03^rd Nov- ISM militants clashed with Mozambican troops in Unidade area in Macomia district; they seized a grenade launcher, ​​two automatic rifles, three machine guns, and some ammunition.
• 03^rd -05^th Nov – a group of ISM insurgents, among them women and children, was reported to have moved southward through Cogolo village, approximately 17 kilometers south of Unidade.

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

• 25^th Nov- Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) militants conducted and armed assault against Christians in Umbini area in Lubero District, North Kivu.
• 25^th Nov- Several people were inured after an ISCAP attack on Christians in Matuna, Lubero in North Kivu.
• 25^th Nov- ISCAP terrorists conducted and armed assault against Christians in Ikini area in Lubero District, North Kivu.
• 25th Nov- ISCAP terrorists conducted and armed assault against civilians in Matoto area in Lubero District, North Kivu.
• 19^th Nov- ISCAP militants attacked innocent civilians in Kasiero area in Lubero in an attack that left several injured and others displaced.
• 19^th Nov- ISCAP Militants captured and executed 6 Christians Near Vuyinga, Lubero, North Kivu.
• 18^th Nov- ISCAP terrorists conducted an armed assault on Christian population near Vuyinga, Lubero, North Kivu.
• 18^th Nov- ISCAP terrorists captured and executed a person they dubbed a Congolese spy in Manguredjipa area in Lubero, North Kivu Province.
• 17^th Nov- ISCAP terrorists conducted an armed assault on Christian population in Kanzoka area of Lubero district.
• 17^th Nov- ISCAP militants captured and executed two people in Biambe in Lubero district.
• 15^th Nov- at least 11 people were captured and beheaded by ISCAP militants following an armed assault in Masengi area in Lubero.
• 14^th Nov- ISCAP militants conducted an armed attack in Biambe in Lubero district.
• 14^th Nov- several people were reported killed or injured following an armed attack by ISCAP militants in Mabiyango in Lubero.
• 13^th Nov- At least two people were captured and executed by ISCAP militants in Maiba area, Lubero district.
• 12^th Nov- ISCAP militants conducted and armed assault against Christians in Maiba area of Lubero district.
• 12^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese Army forces near Mokasila, Ituri Province.
• 09^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Christians in Mazinz locale in Ituri Province.
• 08^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese militia forces in Mogamba, Ituri Province.
• 07^TH Nov- ISCAP rebels clashed with Ugandan forces in Ilak village in Ituri province.
• 06^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault and razed a militia barracks in Kadika, Ituri Province.
• 05^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault and razed a militia barracks in Litakredi, Ituri Province.
• 04^th Nov- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese Armed troops in Abiteniko area in Ituri Province.
• 03^rd Nov- A Christian was captured and executed by ISCAP militants near Mayuano in Ituri province.
• 03^rd Nov- ISCAP militants clashed with Congolese and Ugandan Army Forces near Manguredjipa, Lubero District.

SOMALIA

• 17th Nov- The Puntland forces killed four ISIS terrorist fugitives who were planning suicide bombings in the Cal-Miskaad mountains in Bari region.
• 15^th Nov– Suspected Islamic State Somalia (ISS) militants attempted to detonate suicide IEDs targeting Puntland Defense Forces in the Mirale Valley, Bari Region, Puntland.
• 06^th Nov– ISS militants clashed with Puntland Defense Forces in Shankala, Balade Valley, Bari Region, Puntland.
• 06^th Nov– ISS militants an IED targeting Puntland security forces in Dhaasan, in Jalil valley of Bari region.
• 03^rd Nov– ISS rebels detonated two IEDs targeting Puntland security forces near Dhaadaar, in Jalil valley of Bari region.

ANALYSIS AND INSIGHTS

MOZAMBIQUE

Islamic State Mozambique intensified its campaign across Cabo Delgado and parts of northern Nampula, blending ruthless violence with calculated territorial probing. The group increased its reliance on abductions, assassinations and village-level raids, destroying homes, churches and community assets to intimidate populations and disrupt local governance. Many attacks appeared designed to fracture community resilience and force large-scale movements, which in turn weakened state authority and complicated humanitarian response.

ISM demonstrated notable operational agility. Fighters shifted rapidly between coastal communities, forested strongholds and new axes of advance near the Lúrio corridor. They continued to engage security forces through small-unit attacks, ambushes, IEDs and targeted attempts to seize weapons. Intermittent clashes with Mozambican and Rwandan troops highlighted an insurgency capable of tactical surprise, even as it faced pressure in coastal sanctuaries such as Quiterajo and Catupa. Reports of fighters moving unopposed into certain neighbourhoods of Mocímboa da Praia suggested that the group still exploits security gaps in urban peripheries.

A striking feature of the month was the insurgents’ differentiated community posture. In parts of Quissanga, ISM maintained a largely non-violent presence focused on social engagement and influence-building. In southern districts and Christian-majority areas, however, the group reverted to aggressive coercion, including attacks on churches and public gatherings. This dual strategy indicated an effort to entrench itself where it can blend in, while using fear and destruction to depopulate areas deemed hostile or strategically valuable.

The extension of violence into Nampula was particularly significant. The activity there represented the most intense period of ISM operations recorded for the province and triggered waves of displacement across Eráti and Memba. The movement of multiple insurgent groups across the Lúrio corridor suggested a deliberate southward push aimed at securing recruitment pools, transit routes and extractive targets such as artisanal gold sites. This expansion signals a broader ambition to reshape the insurgency’s operating environment rather than merely react to security-force pressure further north.

Mozambican forces and their Rwandan partners increased operations in coastal and forested zones. New outposts, patrols and targeted strikes indicated a security apparatus willing to contest key areas, yet these efforts struggled to fully disrupt ISM’s mobility. The insurgents’ ability to retain access to wooded terrain and logistical corridors showed that they continue to benefit from geographic cover and uneven local cooperation with state forces. Humanitarian pressures worsened as displacement surged, relief distribution faltered and civilian protection mechanisms remained thin.

Overall, ISM appears to be maintaining, and in some areas strengthening, its operational tempo. It is testing new routes, refining recruitment and revenue strategies, and exploiting security vacuums created by terrain, governance gaps and population fatigue. Without sustained pressure on its cross-district mobility and a more credible local protection framework, the group is likely to continue expanding its influence and imposing severe humanitarian costs on northern Mozambique.

D.R. CONGO

ISCAP’s activity in November 2025 reflected a sustained and deliberate effort to impose terror across rural North Kivu and Ituri, with a concentration of attacks in Lubero. The group maintained a high operational tempo, repeatedly striking Christian communities, isolated villages and informal defence groups. Its actions formed a coherent campaign of violence involving armed raids, abductions and executions that were designed to fracture local cohesion, displace residents and erode confidence in state protection. The pattern of killings, beheadings and the targeting of health and community sites indicates an intent to maximize psychological pressure on populations already living under chronic insecurity.

Operationally, ISCAP relied on small, mobile assault teams capable of moving through forested terrain and hitting multiple localities within short intervals. These units exploited gaps in security presence and the fragmentation of local defense actors, enabling them to overrun villages and conduct selective killings of individuals accused of collaboration. The group’s ability to shift quickly between attacks on civilians, raids on militia positions and skirmishes with regional forces shows a flexible command structure and a clear understanding of where state and allied forces are weakest. Its repeated focus on Christians and other vulnerable groups underscores a strategy that blends ideological targeting with the practical aim of depopulating contested routes and zones of influence.

State and allied responses remained uneven and struggled to blunt the momentum of ISCAP operations. Although Congolese and Ugandan forces engaged ISCAP fighters in several areas, their deployments were reactive and often outpaced by the speed of insurgent movements. The wider security environment, shaped by the presence of multiple armed groups and overstretched government units, afforded ISCAP considerable room to maneuver. Humanitarian actors reported expanding displacement, growing protection concerns and deteriorating access to communities that had been attacked or threatened, reinforcing the sense that the group retains freedom to inflict harm where authority is diffuse.

Taken together, these dynamics suggest that ISCAP continues to possess a resilient and lethal tactical capability with a strategic focus on territorial disruption rather than conventional control. Its intent appears centered on exhausting local governance structures, degrading communal resilience and establishing de facto influence through fear and displacement. While the group’s operational gains remain limited to rural zones with weak state presence, its sustained tempo and brutality indicate a trajectory in which its influence persists unless regional coordination, civilian protection mechanisms and mobility-focused counter-operations improve.

SOMALIA

Islamic State Somalia operated at a steady tempo through November, concentrating its efforts in the interior of Bari where the Cal-Miskaad, Balade, Mirale and Jalil valleys provide the concealment and mobility the group relies on. The pattern of activity combined opportunistic IED attacks with deliberate armed contacts, supported by attempts to deploy suicide bombers against Puntland forces. These actions showed a group intent on demonstrating persistence rather than widening its operational reach. The killing of an ISS cell preparing suicide operations in the Cal-Miskaad mountains suggests Puntland’s intelligence penetration has improved, although ISS remains able to regenerate small assault teams with relative ease.

The month’s engagements reflected an ISS strategy that blends harassment with attrition, seeking to pressure security units, complicate patrol routes and reaffirm its presence in long-held sanctuaries. Puntland’s counter-operations have applied mounting pressure, including targeted strikes and ground sweeps that have disrupted some ISS staging areas. However, the geography continues to favour the militants, limiting the depth of security-force reach and allowing ISS to preserve hardened pockets of influence. The overall balance indicates ISS is contained but not decisively weakened.

Humanitarian impacts remained concentrated in rural communities caught between ISS activity and counter-terrorism operations. Households near the affected valleys faced reduced access to markets and grazing zones, while repeated IED use elevated the risk profile for civilians and local authorities. Clearance operations have occasionally strained community relations, heightening the need for more consistent civil-military engagement to prevent local grievances from being channelled into insurgent narratives.

Overall, ISS appears to be consolidating rather than expanding. Its tactical behaviour prioritises survivability, mobility and controlled violence intended to signal continuity despite sustained pressure. The group’s capacity for complex attacks remains limited, but its resilience in difficult terrain, combined with intermittent access to external facilitation networks, ensures it retains disruptive potential. Continued containment will require steady security pressure matched with governance measures that reduce the social and economic space in which ISS embeds itself.

CONCLUSION

Militant dynamics across Mozambique, the DRC and Somalia illustrate affiliates that remain adaptive, mobile and intent on shaping their environments through coercion, displacement and selective violence. ISM and ISCAP continued to exploit gaps in governance, limited state reach and vulnerable rural communities, using a mix of raids, assassinations and targeted intimidation to entrench influence while testing the capacity of national and regional forces. ISS, though geographically constrained, sustained a pattern of harassment and attritional attacks that underscored its resilience in the difficult terrain of Bari, even as counter-terrorism pressure disrupted several operational cells.

The overall trajectory indicates that each affiliate retains the ability to absorb losses and recalibrate tactics, maintaining enough disruptive capacity to challenge local authorities and complicate humanitarian access. Sustained, coordinated pressure based on mobility-focused security operations, improved intelligence penetration and credible civilian protection frameworks will be critical to degrading their freedom of movement and curbing the humanitarian fallout. Without such measures, these groups are likely to preserve or expand their influence, exploiting the same structural vulnerabilities that have allowed them to persist across East and Central Africa.