Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists in February 2024

INSIDE:

In February 2024, the East and Central African regions, particularly Mozambique, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR-Congo), experienced escalating terrorist activities. The Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique witnessed intensified attacks by Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) insurgents, resulting in significant civilian and military casualties. In Somalia, the Islamic State Somalia (ISS) engaged in a year-long campaign against al-Shabaab, claiming territorial gains and raising concerns about a potential strategic shift. In DR-Congo, the Islamic State Central Africa (ISCAP) employed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in attacks on civilians, indicating a shift in tactics.

Mozambique

• 29^th Feb- Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) conducted an armed assault on the Christian village of Mulala, Chiure District.
• 26^th Feb- ISM Militants conducted an armed assault that also included setting fire to houses in Moge Village in Chiure District.
• 26^th Feb- ISM Militants conducted an armed assault that also included setting fire to houses in Monothi Village in Chiure District.
• 24^th Feb- ISM Militants conducted an armed assault that also included setting fire to over 140 houses in Magaia Village in Chiure District.
• 23^rd Feb- ISM militants attacked Napala village in Chiure district.
• 22^nd Feb- ISM militants conducted a series of armed assaults in several villages in Chiure district. The attacks occurred in M’Mala, Mugipala, & Ntonhane Villages.
• 20^th Feb- Ocua village in Chiure district was attacked by armed ISM militants in an attacked that was claimed by ISIS-central Command.
• 20^th Feb- a Truck convoy was attacked my militants on the road from Pemba to Ocua in Chiure district.
• 21^st Feb- a suspected ISM attack was reported in Erati District in Nampula Province an attack that seems to be confirming the unconfirmed expansion of the group AOR into Nampula province.
• 20^th Feb- One person was beheaded following an armed assault by ISM terrorists in Mahera village of Chiure district.
• 17^th Feb- ISM conducted an attack in the Christian village of Magaia which is located south of R760 in Chiure district.
• 16^th Feb- ISM terrorists burnt a church, a school, and 24 homes, in the N’quira village in Chiure District.
• 16^th Feb- ISM conducted an attack in Quirimba Island in Macomia district.
• 16^th Feb- ISM conducted an attack in Quissanga city in Quissanga district.’
• 15^th Feb- ISM insurgents attacked two villages where they burnt two Churches, in Quitivahulo and Muentage of Chiure District.
• 15^th Feb- A truck carrying merchandise for Quissanga as well as a government tractor in the village of Mussomero were attacked by militants and were forced to pay to be allowed to use the road.
• 13^th Feb- ISM militants were reported to have occupied three more villages; Pangana, Nambo and Messano in the coastal region of Cabo Delgado.
• 13^th Feb– ISM conducted an armed assault targeting members of the Mozambican Army and Pro-Government Militia in Chai Village in Macomia district.
• 13^th Feb– ISM Militants burned down government buildings, churches, and schools, in Mazeze and Nacussa in Chiure District.
• 12^th Feb– an armed assault and beheading on Mozambican Army positions was reported in Mucojo area in Macomia.
• 11^th Feb– one person was killed after ISM militants targeted a passenger bus and car in Muaguide.
• 09^th Feb– ISM Reportedly conducted its first armed assault attack in Nacoja, Chiuri Area.
• 09^th Feb– at least 20 soldiers were killed in an armed assault on their base in Mucojo in Macomia district.
• 1^st Feb– ISM militants led an armed assault on civilians in Litamanda, Macomia Region.
• 31^st Jan– Several civilians were hurt following an armed attack by ISM insurgents in Pulo in Metuge Area.
• 30^th Jan– ISM militants led an armed assault against Mozambican military forces in Nahavara, Mecúfi District.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

• 28^th Feb- A motorcyclist and his passenger were killed after ISCAP Militants attacked them along the Komanda-Luna road in Sesa village in Ituri province.
• 24^th Feb- ISCAP Militants attacked civilians along RN4 road in Ofai, Ituri Province.
• 24^th Feb- Five women, including four farmers, were killed by ISCAP in Ofayi village, located in the territory of Irumu, Ituri; they were attacked as they searched for food in their fields.
• 24^th Feb- ISCAP Militants attacked civilians along RN4 road in Bandibesende, Ituri Province.
• 20^th Feb- at least 24 civilians were killed in ISCAP attacks in civilians in Mambasa territory in Ituri.
• 19^th Feb- ISCAP militants and armed attack on civilians along RN4 road in Mayi-Moya in North Kivu Province.
• 18^th Feb- At least two civilians were decapitated with machetes and several others injured during an attack by ISCAP fighters in the locality of Kokola in Beni.
• 15^th Feb- ISCAP militants and armed attack in Kalongo area in North Kivu Province.
• 15^th Feb- civilians were attacked by ISCAP insurgents in Kikingi village in North Kivu.
• 14^th Feb– Islamic State Central Africa (ISCAP) militants detonated an IED on civilians in Benengule, North-Kivu Province.
• 05^th Feb– ISCAP militants raided several communities in Mambasa Territory in Ituri Province and killed at least 18 civilians
• 05^th Feb– ISCAP insurgents conducted an armed assault against civilians in Manzua, North-Kivu Province.
• 1^st Feb- several civilians were hurt and others fled their homes after ISCAP militants attacked Otumabiri village in Ituri Province.
• 30^th Jan- several civilians were hurt and others fled their homes after ISCAP militants attacked Biakato village in Ituri Province.

SOMALIA

• 07^TH Feb- Islamic State Somalia (ISS) insurgents attacked a police vehicle in Karan area in Mogadishu with an IED.
• 08^th Feb- Security Forces arrested 2 ISS foreign leaders in Bohol Area, Ufeyn District, Bari Region in Puntland.

ANALYSIS

MOZAMBIQUE

Escalating Attacks

In February, Insurgents in the Cabo Delgado province, particularly in the districts of Muidumbe, Macomia, and Chiúre, are escalating attacks. In addition to targeting Defense and Security Forces, they are burning civilian properties and killing residents. Reports suggest that terrorists are moving from Macomia to the lower Muidumbe area, with recent attacks in Litamanda village.

In February, multiple insurgent groups have advanced south from Mucojo in Macomia towards Metuge, Ancuabe, Mecufi and Chiúre districts. FADM and allied forces continue to exhibit reactive responses to the insurgency, characterized by failing to regain control over Mucojo which is very crucial to the operations of both the group and the military.

Insurgent Operations in Chiure

Insurgent activities have been reported in different districts, including Macomia, Chiure, Meluco, Quissanga, and Mocímoba da Praia. Attacks involve burning churches, clashes with security forces, and civilian casualties.

A large insurgent contingent, possibly numbering 200 or more, has caused havoc in Chiure district, burning churches, homes, and kidnapping people. Insurgent activities have extended as far south as Nacoja on the Lúrio river.

Mucojo Military Base Attack

The recent battle for Mucojo in Cabo Delgado has resulted in a significant loss for the Mozambican military, with conflicting reports indicating that more than 20 soldiers were killed. The changing hands of Mucojo’s military position since January 20, 2024, highlights the ongoing struggle for control in Cabo Delgado. Efforts by Mozambican and South African military to recover their dead reveal the complexities of the conflict. The use of the old road as an infiltration route by jihadist groups underscores the broader security concerns in the region. The situation calls for continued attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

SAMIM Mission and plans for withdrawal
The SAMIM mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aimed at providing military support to Mozambique in combating terrorism, remains active in Cabo Delgado. Cabo Delgado has been grappling with an armed insurgency for six years, with attacks attributed to the extremist group Islamic State.

The SADC summit approved an extension of the mission until July 2024, with plans for a gradual withdrawal of forces from the eight participating countries.

Since December, the insurgency has intensified, leading to military responses supported by Rwanda and SADC, resulting in the liberation of districts near gas projects. However, new waves of attacks have emerged in the south of the region and in the neighboring province of Nampula.

SOMALIA

Puntland police arrested two high-ranking foreign members of the Daesh terrorist group, dealing a significant blow to the organization’s presence in the region. The suspects, identified as Hassan Ibnu Mohamed Ibnu Hussein, a Moroccan national, and Mohamed Ibnu Mohamed Ahmed, a Syrian national, were apprehended in Ufeyn district of Bari region. According to police officials, the arrests were based on credible intelligence and mark the culmination of a six-month-long investigation targeting high-level Daesh operatives.

Recent intelligence reports indicate increasing concerns about Daesh’s activities in Somalia. The group is actively seeking to recruit and expand its operations, with Puntland’s strategic location and porous borders being a prime target.

In the latest issue of the Islamic State’s weekly Al-Naba newsletter, the Islamic State Somalia (ISs) details a year-long intense campaign against al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda’s East African branch, in northern Somalia’s Puntland region. The group claimed to have gained territory. The reported clashes occurred at least 51 times, with 36 incidents recorded between March and December 2023.

ISS asserts killing or wounding 238 al-Shabaab members during this period, though the numbers are unverified. The sustained campaign began in March 2023, involving ambushes, raids, and clashes, leading to IS allegedly capturing significant land in December. The group claims a post-victory da’wah campaign and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Despite the reported success, IS’s Somali Province remains smaller and weaker than al-Shabaab, controlling limited territory and having 100-150 fighters in Puntland. The real strength lies in hosting the Al-Karrar regional office, a command hub for IS activities in central, eastern, and southern Africa, with financial and directive support. The report suggests a potential resurgence or a strategic move for IS in the region.

D.R. CONGO

Use of IEDs

Islamic State Central Africa (ISCAP) militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting civilians in Benengule, North-Kivu Province. The use of an IED on civilians indicates a shift in tactics, possibly aiming to instill fear and disrupt local communities.

The use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists serves several strategic and tactical purposes, often designed to maximize impact and instill fear. Here are some key reasons why terrorists employ IEDs Terrorist groups, such as ISCAP often lacking the conventional military strength of established forces, use IEDs as a form of asymmetric warfare. This allows them to inflict substantial harm on stronger opponents while minimizing their own exposure.

The series of attacks by ISCAP in North-Kivu and Ituri provinces demonstrates an alarming trend of increased violence against civilians. The variety of tactics, including IEDs and armed assaults, suggests a flexible and adaptive approach by ISCAP, making it challenging for local security forces to predict and counter their actions. The geographic spread of attacks across different villages and territories underscores the wide-ranging operational capabilities of ISCAP, posing a significant security challenge for the affected regions.

United Nations Sanctions List

Ahmad Mahmood Hassan, lieutenant general and senior leader of the ISCAP and Mohamed Ali Nkalubo, head of operations, have been added to the United Nations sanctions. They are accused of several misdeeds, including attacks on civilians, murder, mutilation, rape, kidnapping, forced displacement, attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as acting on behalf of or at the instruction of a person or entity designated by the United Nations, and being involved in the production, manufacture or use of improvised explosive devices in the DRC.

CONCLUSION:

The security landscape in East and Central Africa remains highly precarious, as evidenced by the escalating terrorist activities throughout February 2024. Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, a focal point of insurgency, experienced a surge in attacks by Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), with the loss of the Mucojo military base posing a significant setback for the Mozambican military. The persistence of ISM attacks on both military and civilian targets in various districts, coupled with the challenges faced by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, underscores the complexity and urgency of addressing the insurgency in the region.

In Somalia, the Islamic State Somalia (ISS) engaged in a sustained campaign against al-Shabaab, claiming territorial gains in the Puntland region. The strategic moves by ISS, as detailed in their Al-Naba newsletter, suggest a potential resurgence or a significant shift in their operational focus. The arrest of two high-ranking foreign members of Daesh in Puntland is a positive development in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, yet the report also highlights the group’s active recruitment efforts and expansion plans, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

In DR-Congo, the Islamic State Central Africa (ISCAP) displayed a tactical shift by employing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in attacks on civilians, signaling a concerning escalation in violence. The inclusion of ISCAP leaders on the United Nations sanctions list, notably Ahmad Mahmood Hassan and Mohamed Ali Nkalubo, reflects the gravity of their actions and the international community’s commitment to addressing terrorism in the region.

A multi-faceted and sustained approach is imperative to counter the evolving threat posed by terrorist groups in East and Central Africa. While international efforts, such as the SADC mission and UN sanctions, play a crucial role, addressing the root causes of insurgency and enhancing regional collaboration are essential components of a comprehensive strategy. The loss of the Mucojo military base and the use of IEDs highlight the need for adaptive counter-terrorism measures to effectively mitigate the threats and prevent further destabilization in the region. Continued monitoring, intelligence-sharing, and coordinated actions are paramount to ensure the safety and stability of East and Central Africa.