The Islamic State affiliated extremists have intensified attacks in northern Mozambique. The extremist group that has terrorized the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province has become more brazen, daring, unmasking its fighters and announcing openly the group’s ultimate goal of turning Cabo Delgado region into a caliphate.
The extremist fighters have seized government buildings, raided banks, blocked roads and hoisted their black-and-white flag over towns and villages across Cabo Delgado province.
In one of the recent videos released by the extremists, a group leader with a Kalashnikov is seen telling terrified locals that they want everyone in that region to adhere to the Islamic law. The video appears to have been shot in Mocimboa da Praia after a recent attack.
Mocimboa da Praia is where the militants staged their first attack, back in October 2017.
In the latest videos, the extremist fighters no longer bother covering their faces.
For more than two years the Islamic State affiliated fighters have mainly targeted isolated villages, killing more than 700 people and displacing at least 200,000, according to local sources.
Last month the group grew bolder and extended its insurgency into Mocimboa da Paia, raiding towns and villages, besides attacking government and military institutions.
It is imminent that they have since emerged from their hideouts and openly taken control of three Cabo Delgado districts.
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), affiliated with the Islamic State group, has claimed the Mocimboa attacks, as it has in a few previous attacks since last year.
Thousands of people have fled to the port city of Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado, seeking refuge among friends and relatives after the group intensified campaigns and the declaration of their objective: the establishment of an Islamist state regulated by Shari”a rule.
