Mozambican forces have captured 10 suspected terrorists in Nangade district in the northern province of Cabo Delgado in one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent months as authorities continue to battle a resilient insurgency.
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the suspected terrorists, all Tanzanian nationals, were arrested during an operation on 14 April near the village of Mandimba.
This is an area that has seen repeated militant activity since the Islamist‑linked insurgency erupted in Cabo Delgado in 2017.
The conflict, driven by a mix of local grievances, criminal networks and cross‑border militant movements, has displaced more than a million people and drawn in regional forces from the Southern African Development Community and Rwanda.
Despite gains made by joint operations involving Mozambican and Rwandan forces over the past two years, attacks have continued across several districts.
A day after the arrests, militants raided the Machava production centre and later the village of Nkonga, stealing goods from residents.
In another incident at the mouth of the Messalo River, insurgents hijacked a boat heading to Tanzania, demanded ransom from its occupants and looted all cargo before releasing the sailors.
Further south in Mocímboa da Praia district, attackers assaulted a woman travelling by motorbike and stole 7,000 meticais (about $110).
In nearby Nabage village, militants seized a fishing boat and other property.
JN/APA