Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists for April-May 2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Islamic State affiliates sustained a high operational tempo across East and Central Africa during April and May 2026, demonstrating continued resilience despite sustained counterterrorism pressure. ISCAP in the Democratic Republic of Congo remained the most active affiliate, conducting frequent attacks against civilians, security forces, and local militias across Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut Uele provinces while relying on mass casualty attacks, executions, abductions, and psychological warfare to intimidate communities and challenge state authority. In Mozambique, Islamic State Mozambique maintained persistent insurgent activity across Cabo Delgado, targeting Christian communities, Mozambican security forces, Rwandan troops, and strategic economic assets through mobile guerrilla tactics, indirect fire, improvised explosive devices, and coordinated village assaults. In Somalia, Islamic State Somalia demonstrated renewed resilience in Puntland by re-establishing influence within the Cal Miskaad Mountains and intensifying attacks against Puntland Defence Forces through ambushes, IEDs, and attacks on critical infrastructure. Across all three theatres, Islamic State affiliates continued to exploit weak governance, porous borders, and difficult terrain to sustain asymmetric campaigns, underscoring their ability to adapt, regenerate, and maintain a persistent regional threat despite ongoing military operations.

MOZAMBIQUE

• 27^th May- ISM militants clashed with Mozambican troops in Maririni area of Chiure district.
• 25^th May- ISM rebels led an armed assault against Christian population in Munhunha, near Namuno district.
• 24^th May- ISM militants fired mortars targeting Mozambican military in Sita area of Macomia District.
• 22^nd May- ISM militants led an armed assault against civilians in Litamnda village of Macomia.
• 21^st May- several Christians were injured when ISM militants attacked them in Hokonani area in Chiure district.
• 19^th May- several people were killed or wounded in armed assault against Christians in Namoro village in Chiure district.
• 15^th May- ISM terrorists conducted major armed assault targeting Naparama Militia and Christians in Msanga, Chiure district.
• 11^th May- one person was executed by ISM militants near Mbau IN Mocímboa da Praia (MDP).
• 12^th May- ISM rebels captured and beheaded a Christian bear Mbau in MDP district.
• 13^th May- several people were injured in an ISM armed assault against Christians in Nanivichi area of Chiure District.
• 10^th May- ISM terrorists led an armed assault on Christians in Chai, Macomia District.
• 11^th May- A Rwandan troops’ vehicle was the target of an IED attack by ISM on R762 road between Mocojo and Nambija in Macomia.
• 08^th May- over 163 homes were razed to the ground in Namecala area in Ancuabe district in an armed assault led by ISM militants.
• 08^th May- ISM militants captured and beheaded two Christians near Namecala, Ancuabe District.
• 07^th May- ISM militants captured and beheaded one Christian in Nanoni areas in Ancuabe District.
• 06^th May- ISM terrorists clashed with Mozambican Naval forces near Quiterajo in Macomia district.
• 05^th May- ISM Militants in Mozambique’s Ancuabe District reportedly carried out an armed attack on militia forces and Christian communities, destroying over 220 houses in Ncoe.
• 05^th May- ISM terrorists conducted an armed attack targeting a Diamond Mine near Namanyumbiri in Montepuez District.
• 02^nd May- One Christians was captured and executed by ISM terrorists in Macaiamo area in Ancuabe district.
• 30^th April- several people were killed in an armed assault conducted by ISM in Miegane village in Ancuabe district.
• 30^th April- several people were killed in an armed assault conducted by ISM in Ncoe village in Ancuabe district.
• 29^TH April- several people were injured after ISM rebels clashed with Mozambican troops in Mbau area in Macomia district.
• 23^rd April- Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) militants led an armed assault on Mozambican Army Forces in Niatope, MDP District, Cabo Delgado.
• 15^th April- suspected ISM terrorists kidnapped two Mozambican Army soldiers in Macomia district.
• 13^th April– ISM militants killed two Christians in Nguida area in Macomia district.
• 10^th April- ISM militants led an armed assault against Christians in Nkoe area and Macomia district.

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

• 29th May- ISCAP militants captured and beheaded a Christian in Mayuano, Ituri Province, killing 1 person using bladed weapons.
• 29th May- ISCAP militants clashed with Congolese Army forces near Mungbere in Haut Uele Province they used firearms during an armed confrontation.
• 29th May- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese militia forces in Mamove, North Kivu.
• 29th May- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese Army forces in Mamove, North Kivu.
• 29th May- ISCAP militants captured 5 Christians between Mungbere and Isiro in Haut Uele Province, abducting them without immediate releasing the hostages.
• 28th May- ISCAP militants clashed with Congolese Army forces near Mungbere in Haut Uele Province, they were reportedly armed with firearms.
• 27th May- ISCAP militants carried out an armed assault on Christians in Mbau, North Kivu where several people were wounded.
• 27th May- ISCAP militants clashed with Congolese Army forces near Baiki in North Kivu.
• 25th May- ISCAP militants executed 16 Christians near Oicha in North Kivu, killing all 16 victims using firearms and bladed weapons.
• 23rd May- ISCAP militants captured and beheaded a Christian in Mayuano, Ituri Province, killing 1 person using bladed weapons.
• 23rd May- ISCAP militants conducted an armed attack on Christians in Makumu, Ituri Province.
• 23rd May- ISCAP militants clashed with Congolese Army forces in Watsa District, Haut Uele Province.
• 22nd May- ISCAP militants killed a Congolese soldier in Mungbere, Haut Uele Province by shooting him with a firearm.
• 22nd May- ISCAP militants launched an armed assault on Congolese Army forces in Mungbere, Haut Uele Province.
• 21st May- ISCAP rebels brutally attacked Christians in Mbau, North Kivu, several were wounded and other fled the area as the militancy continues its violent campaign.
• 21st May- ISCAP terrorists ambushed Congolese Army forces between Kainama and Eringeti in North Kivu.
• 21st May- ISCAP militants attacked Congolese Army forces in Makumbo, North Kivu in what is a continued onslaught against the Congolese security apparatus.
• 20th May- 10 Christians were brutally captured and executed by ISCAP militants near Biakato in Ituri Province.
• 20th May- ISCAP terrorists captured and beheaded 4 Christians near Biakato in Ituri Province.
• 20th May- ISCAP militants carried out armed assaults on Christians in Biakato area in Ituri Province; with multiple casualties.
• 19th May- ISCAP militants attacked Christians between Biakato and Luengba in Ituri Province, several were shot in injured using firearms.
• 19th May– ISCAP rebels clashed with Congolese Army forces in Makumbo, North Kivu.
• 18th May- ISCAP terrorists captured and brutally beheaded 2 Christians in Luengba area of Ituri Province.
• 18th May- ISCAP militants conducted and armed attack against Christians population in Luengba, Ituri Province.
• 18th May- ISCAP rebels shot and killed a Congolese soldier between Kainama and Eringeti in North Kivu.
• 17th May- ISCAP terrorists conducted and armed attack on Christians in Luengba, Ituri Province.
• 16th May- ISCAP militants executed 12 Christians near Biakato in Ituri Province; all were killed using knives and machetes a growing MO for the ISCAPP terror group in DRC.
• 16th May– ISCAP militants launched an armed assault on Congolese Army forces in Biakato, Ituri Province.
• 15th May- ISCAP terrorists captured and executed 10 Christians near Biakato village in Ituri Province.
• 15th May- ISCAP militants beheaded 2 Christians near Biakato in Ituri Province, killing both victims using bladed weapons.
• 14th May- ISCAP rebels ambushed Congolese Army forces between Ndalya and Eringeti villages in Ituri Province.
• 13th May- ISCAP militants lodged and an armed attack against Christians population in Biakato, Ituri Province.
• 09th May- ISCAP terrorists carried out an armed assault on Christians in Biakato village in Ituri Province.
• 07th May- ISCAP rebels attacked Christians in Biakato, Ituri Province using firearms; which resulted in the emptying of the villages.
• 06th May- At least 60 people were shot and killed by ISCAP militants in an armed assault in Beu-Manyama and Samboko.
• 05th May- ISCAP militants ambushed Congolese Army forces on the RN4 between Komanda and Eringeti areas in Ituri Province.
• 03rd May- ISCAP terrorists shot and killed a Congolese soldier in Mando, Haut Uele Province.
• 02nd May- ISCAP militants launched an armed assault on Congolese Army forces in Mando, Haut Uele Province.
• 01st April– ISCAP militants carried out an armed assault on Christians in Mutshanga, Ituri Province, killing 12 people using firearms and bladed weapons, including beheadings.
• 02nd-3rd April– ISCAP terrorists carried out an armed assault on Christians in Bafwatende, Mambasa District in Ituri Province, shooting and killing 60 people.
• 19th April- ISCAP militants clashed with joint Congolese and Ugandan Army forces in Kadika, Ituri Province.
• 20th April- Congolese and Ugandan Army forces rescued at least 200 hostages who had been held captive in an ISCA camp along the River Epulu in Ituri Province.
• 24th April- ISCAP militants carried out an armed assault on Christians in Epulu, Ituri Province using firearms.
• 24th April- ISCAP terror group released a video showing the release of Christian prisoners after payment of jizya.
• 30th April- ISCAP militants carried out an armed assault on Congolese Army forces in Mando, Watsa Territory in Haut Uele Province.
• 01st April- ISCAP militants carried out an armed assault on Christians in Mutshanga, Ituri Province, killing 12 people using firearms and bladed weapons.
• 01 April- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault on Christians in Bafwatende village in Ituri Province, killing 60 people using firearms.

SOMALIA

• 16th April- ISS militants were reported regrouping and regaining influence in traditional strongholds around the Cal Miskaad Mountain Range in Puntland, Somalia.
• 18th April- ISS terrorists regained control of several villages around the Cal Miskaad Mountain Range in Puntland.
• 20th April- ISS militants carried out an armed assault on local militia forces in Dhaadaar, Jalil Valley, Bari Region of Puntland with several casualties reported.
• 20th April- ISS militants detonated an IED targeting Puntland Defense Forces in Gaatir Oodan, Jalil Valley in Bari Regio of Puntland.
• 21st April- ISS militants targeted an ambulance transporting wounded personnel from a prior attack in Qara’ad (Qurac), Bari Region in Puntland.
• 21st April– Suspected ISS militants destroyed multiple communications towers in Bari Region in Puntland.
• 25th April- ISS militants targeted Puntland Security Forces with a roadside IED in the Cal Miskaad Mountain Range in Puntland.
• 28th April- ISS militants detonated a roadside IED targeting a convoy of telecommunications workers and Puntland Defense Force escort in the Al Miskaad Mountains in Puntland.
• 03^rd -4th May- ISS militants clashed with Puntland Defense Forces in Wadi Ina Cidoode, Jalil Valley in Bari Region.
• 14th May– ISS terrorists ambushed Puntland Defense Forces near Markadaan, Jalil Valley, Bari Region of Puntland.
• 20th May- ISS militants detonated an IED targeting Puntland Defense Forces in Gaatir Oodan, Jalil Valley in Bari Region, Puntland.
• 25th May- ISS militants carried out an armed assault on Puntland Defense Forces in Miraale, Cal Miskaat Mountains, Puntland; killing at least five soldiers.

ANALYSIS AND INSIGHTS

D.R. Congo

ISCAP sustained a high operational tempo across eastern DRC, demonstrating the ability to conduct near simultaneous attacks against civilians, Congolese security forces, and local militia groups while maintaining freedom of movement across Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut Uele provinces. The frequency of incidents indicates that despite ongoing military pressure, the group retained an effective command structure capable of planning and executing repeated offensive operations over an extended period.

ISCAP continued to prioritize mass casualty attacks against Christian communities as part of its long-standing intimidation strategy. The repeated executions, beheadings, abductions, and village assaults suggest an effort to depopulate vulnerable rural areas, undermine confidence in state protection, and expand influence through fear. The systematic targeting of civilians also reinforces the group’s broader objective of controlling territory by displacing local populations and weakening community resistance.

The increasing use of beheadings, executions with bladed weapons, and hostage taking reflects a deliberate psychological warfare campaign intended to amplify fear beyond the immediate areas of operation. These tactics are consistent with Islamic State propaganda objectives, allowing the group to project brutality, intimidate local communities, and discourage cooperation with government forces.

Repeated attacks against FARDC positions across Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut Uele demonstrate that ISCAP remains capable of challenging state security forces rather than limiting itself to attacks on soft civilian targets. Frequent ambushes, armed assaults, and clashes indicate that the group continues to contest military access routes while attempting to disrupt security operations and stretch government resources across multiple fronts.

The expansion of attacks into Haut Uele alongside sustained violence in Ituri and North Kivu highlights growing operational flexibility. Activity across several provinces suggests that ISCAP maintains dispersed cells capable of conducting independent operations while remaining aligned with broader strategic objectives. This geographic spread complicates military responses and increases pressure on already limited security resources.

Hostage taking remained an important component of ISCAP operations during the reporting period. Abductions serve multiple purposes, including generating ransom revenue, facilitating prisoner exchanges, supporting propaganda efforts, and reinforcing local intimidation. The release of captives after payment of jizya further demonstrates the group’s continued attempts to impose parallel governance mechanisms within areas where state authority remains weak.

Joint operations between Congolese and Ugandan forces achieved notable tactical successes, including the rescue of approximately 200 hostages during April. However, the persistence of frequent attacks throughout both months indicates that these operations have disrupted but not significantly degraded ISCAP’s operational capability. The group’s ability to rapidly resume offensive activities suggests resilient recruitment networks, established logistics, and continued access to rural safe havens.

The security environment in eastern DRC remains highly volatile, with ISCAP continuing to exploit longstanding governance gaps, difficult terrain, porous borders, and limited state presence. While military operations have imposed localized pressure on militant networks, the overall threat trajectory remains elevated. Without sustained security operations supported by improved intelligence collection, strengthened border coordination, civilian protection measures, and restoration of government authority in affected communities, ISCAP is likely to retain the capacity to conduct recurrent attacks and preserve its influence across parts of eastern DRC.

Mozambique

Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) demonstrated a marked increase in operational tempo across Cabo Delgado during April and May 2026, with attacks expanding in both frequency and geographic spread. The insurgency maintained sustained pressure across Macomia, Chiure, Ancuabe, Mocímboa da Praia, Namuno and Montepuez districts, indicating that government and allied counterinsurgency operations have constrained but not dismantled the group’s operational network. The pattern of violence reflects an insurgent force capable of conducting simultaneous attacks against civilians, security forces, local militias and strategic economic assets while retaining freedom of movement across multiple districts.

A defining feature of the reporting period was the systematic targeting of Christian communities through executions, beheadings, village raids and arson attacks. These attacks appear intended to reinforce ISM’s ideological narrative, intimidate local populations perceived to support government forces and discourage civilian cooperation with security operations. The repeated destruction of hundreds of homes in Ancuabe and the concentration of attacks against civilians in Chiure and Macomia suggest an effort to generate displacement, undermine local governance and create permissive operating environments for insurgent movement and recruitment.

ISM also sustained pressure on Mozambican security forces and regional partners through conventional engagements, indirect fire attacks and asymmetric tactics. Clashes with Mozambican troops, naval forces and the use of mortars against military positions demonstrate continued tactical flexibility, while the IED attack targeting Rwandan forces highlights the group’s growing confidence in employing more sophisticated methods against experienced counterinsurgency forces. The continued targeting of Rwandan contingents suggests ISM views regional forces as a priority military objective due to their effectiveness in previous operations.

The insurgents’ ability to attack a diamond mining site in Montepuez underscores their continued interest in disrupting economically significant infrastructure and exploiting resource-rich areas. Such attacks reinforce the perception that ISM seeks not only military gains but also economic disruption capable of discouraging investment, weakening state revenues and generating opportunities for extortion or illicit financing.

Operational activity during April and May indicates that ISM has shifted toward a campaign of persistent low to medium intensity attacks rather than attempting to seize and hold major urban centres. This approach enables the group to exhaust government forces, maintain a constant climate of insecurity and preserve its combat strength while avoiding decisive engagements with superior military forces.

The overall security climate in Cabo Delgado remains volatile despite sustained counterterrorism operations by Mozambican forces supported by Rwanda and regional partners. Security forces continue to deny ISM long-term territorial control, but the insurgency retains the capability to infiltrate vulnerable communities, conduct coordinated attacks across dispersed locations and rapidly withdraw before significant military response. The continued reliance on mobile guerrilla tactics, targeted killings and attacks on civilian populations indicates that the conflict is entering a prolonged phase characterized by persistent insecurity rather than large-scale territorial offensives.

Looking ahead, ISM is likely to maintain operational pressure across northern Cabo Delgado while exploiting gaps in rural security and community protection. Districts including Macomia, Chiure, Ancuabe and Mocímboa da Praia remain among the highest-risk areas due to their repeated exposure to insurgent activity and their strategic value for insurgent mobility. Without sustained improvements in local governance, intelligence collection, civilian protection and economic recovery, the insurgency is expected to retain the capacity to regenerate its networks and prolong instability across northern Mozambique.

Somalia

Islamic State Somalia (ISS) demonstrated renewed resilience across Puntland during April and May 2026, recovering from earlier counterterrorism pressure and re-establishing influence within the Cal Miskaad Mountain Range and surrounding villages. The group’s ability to regain footholds while maintaining a steady tempo of attacks indicates that its leadership, logistics, and recruitment networks remain intact despite sustained military operations by Puntland security forces.

ISS combined armed assaults, ambushes, and repeated improvised explosive device attacks against Puntland Defense Forces, reflecting an increasingly effective asymmetric campaign aimed at inflicting casualties while avoiding prolonged direct engagements. The group’s repeated targeting of the same operational areas, particularly the Cal Miskaad Mountains and Jalil Valley, underscores the continued importance of this rugged terrain as its primary safe haven and staging ground.

The attack on an ambulance transporting wounded personnel and the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure demonstrate an effort to disrupt military response capabilities while undermining government authority and civilian confidence. Targeting communications assets is also likely intended to reduce coordination between security forces operating across remote parts of Bari Region.

Although Puntland security forces-maintained pressure through continued operations, ISS retained sufficient freedom of movement to launch coordinated attacks throughout both months, suggesting that military operations have contained rather than eliminated the threat. The group’s ability to repeatedly engage security forces in key locations highlights the difficulty of denying insurgents access to the mountainous terrain that continues to provide concealment and operational flexibility.

The overall security climate in Somalia remained fragile, with ISS continuing to pose a persistent regional threat despite remaining geographically concentrated in Puntland. While Al Shabaab continues to dominate the wider insurgency nationally, ISS has demonstrated that it remains capable of sustaining violence, disrupting security operations, and challenging state control in northeastern Somalia. Without sustained counterinsurgency operations supported by improved intelligence, territorial consolidation, and protection of critical infrastructure, ISS is likely to maintain the capability to conduct recurring attacks and prolong instability across Puntland.

CONCLUSION

The security outlook across Somalia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo remains highly volatile, with Islamic State affiliates retaining the capability to sustain insurgent operations despite continued military pressure from national and regional forces. Although counterterrorism operations have achieved important tactical successes and prevented the establishment of enduring territorial control, they have not fundamentally disrupted the command structures, recruitment networks, or logistical systems that underpin these organisations. The reporting period indicates a continued preference for persistent low to medium intensity attacks aimed at exhausting security forces, intimidating civilian populations, undermining governance, and preserving operational freedom rather than pursuing large-scale territorial gains. Without sustained intelligence-led operations, enhanced regional cooperation, stronger border security, improved civilian protection, and the restoration of effective state authority in affected areas, Islamic State affiliates are likely to preserve their operational resilience and continue posing a significant threat to stability across East and Central Africa.