At least 18 Islamist militants were killed on June 7 in a clash with local militia in Muidumbe district of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado’s province, according to district administrator João Bosco.
Bosco said the militants faced a decisive counterattack from local forces – made up mostly of former guerrillas experienced in regional conflicts – resulting in heavy losses for the terrorist group.
“In the attack that took place on June 7 in the village of Magaia, the terrorists had a setback in their incursions because they received a very strong response from the local force that culminated in the killing of 18 members of this group”, Bosco is quoted as saying by local media on Tuesday.
During the incident, the militants also kidnapped 10 locals who were later released after a ransom was paid.
The clash is the latest episode in the violent insurgency gripping Cabo Delgado province where extremist groups aligned with the Islamic State have been waging a brutal campaign since 2017.
The insurgency, which has led to widespread displacement and significant civilian casualties over recent years, continues to destabilise the region as militants shift targets and tactics.
Bosco noted that, while order has been restored in Muidumbe following the clash, the militant threat persists elsewhere in the province, fuelling ongoing fears of further violence.
He underscored the importance of deterring youth recruitment by extremist groups, noting that local authorities are actively discouraging young people from joining the militants.
JN/APA