Southern African Nations Agree To Deploy Forces To Mozambique To Battle Its Growing Islamic Insurgency

EWN/AFP: Southern African bloc to send troops to insurgency-hit Mozambique: official 

A document leaked earlier this year recommended sending around 3,000 soldiers to Cabo Delgado province, where insurgents have seized control of towns and villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. 

MAPUTO, Mozambique - Countries in Southern Africa on Wednesday agreed to deploy forces to help quell a bloody jihadist insurgency wreaking havoc in northern Mozambique over the past three years. 

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc "approved" the deployment of the "SADC Standby Force in support of Mozambique to combat of terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado," the bloc's executive secretary Stergomena Tax said at the end of a one day summit. 

She did not give details of the strength or the timeline of the deployment.  

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More News On Southern African Nations Agreeing To Deploy Forces To Mozambique To Battle Its Growing Islamic Insurgency  

Southern African leaders agree to send troops to Mozambique -- AP  

African nations to send troops to tackle Mozambique insurgency -- Reuters  

Southern African nations agree to deploy forces to Mozambique -- Al Jazeera

 SADC leaders agree to send troops to northern Mozambique -- News 24

EU Preparing To Send Military Forces To Mozambique To Help The Government Fight Against The Insurgency

 

Reuters: EU mulls military training mission to steady Mozambique 

BRUSSELS, May 6 (Reuters) - The European Union will consider sending a military training mission to Mozambique to help the government withstand a growing insurgency, and Portugal is already sending troops, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday. 

Mozambique's government has been facing an Islamist insurgency since 2017 and rebels have stepped up attacks in the past year, threatening natural gas projects that are aimed at transforming the impoverished country's economy. 

Mozambique wrote to the EU last year to ask for help in training its armed forces to battle the insurgency, and Borrell said it was important for the bloc to make up its mind quickly. 

EU defence ministers discussed the possibility of a mission in Brussels on Thursday, but took no decision.  

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More News On The EU Preparing To Send Military Forces To Mozambique  

EU weighs military training mission for Mozambique -- AP  

EU mulls defence training for Maputo -- The Herald  

EU prepares non-combat mission in Mozambique -- Anadolu Agency  

Amid LNG Impact Fears, EU Aims to Send Troops Against Mozambique Insurgency ‘As Soon as Possible’ -- Sputnik

France's Total Suspends $20 Billion Mozambique Gas Project Over Jihadist Attacks

France 24: France's Total suspends Mozambique gas project over jihadist attacks 

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month. 

"Considering the evolution of the security situation... Total confirms the withdrawal of all Mozambique LNG [Liquefied Natural Gas] project personnel from the Afungi site," the company said in a statement. 

Total added that it was declaring a "force majeure" situation beyond its control, a legal concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contractual obligations.  

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More News On Total Suspending $20 Billion Mozambique Gas Project Over Jihadist Attacks 

Mozambique gas project: Total halts work after Palma attacks -- BBC  

Total declares force majeure on Mozambique LNG after insurgent attacks -- Reuters  

Exclusive: Refugees recount brutal attack by Islamist insurgents in Mozambique's Palma -- France 24  

France's Total Evacuates Staff, Announces Force Majeure on LNG Project in Mozambique -- Sputnik

Islamic State Claims Deadly Attack On Northern Mozambique Town. Dozens Killed. Thousands Flee

Al-Shabab, an ISIS-affiliated jihadi group, has made gains in Cabo Delgado, the northeast of Mozambique, and seized the strategic port of Mocimboa da Praia in August before the latest attack in Palma 

France 24: Islamic State group claims control of northern Mozambique town of Palma 

The Islamic State group said Monday it had seized the coastal town of Palma in northern Mozambique, after days of fighting. 

“The caliphate’s soldiers seize the strategic town of Palma” following a three-day attack against military and government targets that killed dozens, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channels. 

The jihadist group’s claim came after thousands of survivors of coordinated jihadist attacks in the town fled on boats to the provincial capital, Pemba, according to sources in the city. 

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 More News On The Islamic State Claiming Control Of The Coastal Town Of Palma 

Islamic State claims deadly attack on northern Mozambique town -- Reuters 

Mozambique: Thousands flee besieged Palma by boats -- Al Jazeera 

British ex-cop grabs AK-47 and kills two ISIS Islamists to escape five-day assault on Mozambique gas city: Another Briton is killed and others missing as jihadis seize town and behead victims -- Daily Mail 

Mozambique: Dozens killed as militants seize town for fifth day, Total halts LNG operations -- DW

Islamist Insurgents Kill Dozens In Attack On Natural Gas Complex In Mozambique -- NPR 

Foreigners and locals among dozens killed in Mozambique terror attack -- CNN 

Mozambique: up to 60 missing after insurgents attack convoy -- The Guardian 

ISIS-linked militants seize Mozambique town, forcing thousands to flee, including workers on major gas project -- CBS 

South African Adrian Nel killed in Mozambique jihadist attack -- BBC

'Total chaos': survivors tell of insurgent attack in Mozambique -- The Guardian

Islamist Militants Seize Town In Northern Mozambique Amid Reports Of Multiple Casualties

Map locates Palma, Mozambique. Fighting raged for the fifth day Sunday in northern Mozambique as rebels fought the army for control of the strategic town of Palma.

   

CNN: Evacuation of people trapped by militant attack in Mozambique runs into ambush, reports say 

Maputo, Mozambique (CNN)The attempted evacuation of people trapped during an attack in northern Mozambique by Islamist militants has led to multiple casualties, with dozens of people still unaccounted for, according to reports, in what the US embassy in Maputo is calling a "horrific situation." 

The town of Palma in Cabo Delgado province was attacked by Islamist insurgents on Wednesday, according to multiple sources contacted by CNN. 

Witnesses reported seeing bodies in the streets after the insurgents, believed to be affiliated with the terrorist group ISIS, attacked Palma from three directions, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday. 

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 More News On The Islamic State Insurgency In Northern Mozambique 

Rebels besiege town in northern Mozambique for fifth day -- AP 

Mozambique: Militants seize town, Total halts LNG operations -- DW 

Mozambique hotel attack update: Amarula Palma hotel suffer Islamist militants attack, Total oil plans pause -- BBC 

Mozambique insurgents ambush workers fleeing hotel where they sheltered during attack -- ABC News (Australia) 

Dozens missing as survivors of northern Mozambique attack evacuated -- France 24 

Briton killed in Mozambique attack: The Times -- Reuters 

Total says Mozambique gas project work suspended after fighting -- Reuters

Islamic Insurgents Seize Mozambique Town In Gas-Rich Region Trapping Hundreds That Includes Foreigners

 

DW: Mozambique: Militants seize town, Total halts LNG operations 

Jihadis have seized a town and also allegedly attacked a convoy of fleeing civilians, including foreign workers, as fighting continued in the gas-rich region.

Islamist militants have seized control of the town of Palma in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado, killing several people, including a foreign worker. 

They also allegedly attacked a convoy of fleeing civilians. At least one person was killed and a number wounded in the attack. 

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WNU Editor: Total has a $20 billion LNG project in this region that is now shut down.

More News On Islamic Insurgents Seizing Mozambique Town In Gas-Rich Region 

Confusion reigns as convoy of fleeing civilians attacked in besieged Mozambique town -- France 24

Convoy of fleeing civilians ambushed in besieged Mozambique town -- Reuters 

Insurgents Seize Mozambique Town, Killing Several People; Fate of Hundreds Unknown -- New York Times 

Multiple people trapped in Mozambique hotel after militant attack -- DW 

Mozambique insurgency: Islamist militants 'ambush workers fleeing hotel' -- BBC 

Mozambique: several dead as insurgents seize control of town -- The Guardian 

Attack by ISIS-linked militants traps over 180 people, including foreigners, in Mozambique hotel for days -- RT 

Dozens unaccounted for in Mozambique after Islamist attack, rights groups say -- CNN 

Over 180 people trapped in Mozambique hotel after attack -- Al Jazeera 

Total says Mozambique gas project work suspended after fighting -- Reuters

Mozambique And Tanzania To Launch Joint Operations To Combat An Islamist Insurgency In Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province

Reuters: Mozambique, Tanzania to launch joint operations against insurgents 

MAPUTO, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Mozambique and Tanzania are to launch joint operations to combat an Islamist insurgency under an agreement that will also see some 500 suspected insurgents extradited, Mozambique’s state-owned newspaper Noticias said on Monday. 

The three-year-old insurgency is concentrated in Mozambique’s northernmost province of Cabo Delgado, separated from Tanzania by the Rovuma River and home to gas developments worth $60 billion.

In October, however, it spilled across the border when some 300 insurgents attacked a Tanzanian village. 

Many of the insurgency’s recruits are also thought to come from Tanzania. 

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 More News On Mozambique And Tanzania Agreeing To Launch Joint Operations To Combat An Islamist Insurgency In Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province 

Mozambique, Tanzania join forces to tackle Cabo Delgado violence -- Al Jazeera 

Tanzania, Mozambique Launch Joint Operations Against Insurgents -- Bloomberg 

Mozambique, Tanzania in ‘terrorism’ pact -- The Citizen 

Report: 516 suspected terrorists detained in Tanzania to be repatriated to Mozambique -- Xinhuanet

A Look At The Rise Of ISIS In Mozambique

The terrorists have killed more than 1,500 people in northern Mozambique 

Daily Star: Inside ISIS' new capital as terrorists carry out beheadings and take sex slaves 

The terrorists captured a strategic port town in Mozambique earlier this year – telling locals it would be their new stronghold – and have killed thousands in the African country 

 ISIS -linked jihadis have amassed a fighting force that is wreaking havoc and slaughtering its enemies.

The terrorists have killed more than 1,500 people in northern Mozambique and displaced more than a quarter of a million since 2017. 

The southern Africa country has been overrun by militants in recent years. 

Back in August, ISIS militants captured the port town of Mocimboa da Praia, in the province of Cabo Delgado, and told locals it would be their new capital. 

The region is rich in oil – featuring Total and Exxon Mobile bases – and its deep forests offer terrorists smuggling routes for arms and ammunition. 

Locals refer to the armed group as the Machababos or Al Shabaab, but the ISIS-affiliated group calls itself Al-Sunnah Wa Jama'ah. 

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 More News On The ISIS Insurgency In Northern Mozambique 

ISIS militants wreak havoc in Mozambique, killing more than 1,000 in insurgency -- FOX News Zimbabwe Asked by U.S. to Help Fight Militants in Mozambique -- Bloomberg 

Extremist violence causes food shortages in north Mozambique -- WKOW 

Total Warns of Islamic State Instability Risk in Mozambique -- Bloomberg 

How did a 'cocktail of violence' engulf Mozambique’s gemstone El Dorado? -- The Guardian

Four Mozambique Islands With Luxury Resorts Overrun And Destroyed By ISIS-Linked Militants

The Times

The Australian/The Times: Stars’ paradise isle in Mozambique overrun by ISIS-linked insurgents

Four Indian Ocean islands known for their unique wildlife and luxury resorts have been overrun by militants linked to Islamic State.

The insurgents ordered residents to abandon the islands, off the coast of Mozambique, before they set fire to homes and tourist accommodation, witnesses said. Images posted on social media showed burnt-out beachfront villas and safari vehicles on Vamizi, which has been visited by the likes of Daniel Craig, Bono and Prince Albert of Monaco on his honeymoon.

The capture of the islands last week comes a month after the occupation of the strategic port town of Mocimboa da Praia on the Mozambican mainland, close to the site of Africa’s biggest gas-drilling development. The jihadists told locals it would become their new capital, run in accordance with Islamic law.

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Update #1: HELL IN PARADISE ISIS take over stunning islands where Daniel Craig and Bono holiday burning down luxury hotels and imposing Sharia Law (The U.S. SUN)
Update #2: SA Tourist Resorts In Mozambique Seized By ISIS-Linked Group [Video] (Two Oceans Vibe)
Update #3: ISIS jihadists overrun paradise islands where Bono and Daniel Craig holiday before torching luxury villas and imposing Sharia law (Daily Mail)

WNU Editor: Mozambique is unprepared to confront this growing ISIS threat .... Mozambique Can't Fight Terrorism Alone (Foreign Policy).

After Days Of Heavy Fighting Key Mozambique Oil Port Seized By Islamic State Militants

BBC: Mocimboa da Praia: Key Mozambique port 'seized by IS'

Militants linked to the Islamic State group have seized a heavily-defended port in Mozambique after days of fighting, according to reports.

Local media say government forces that were in the far northern town of Mocimboa da Praia fled, many by boat, after Islamists stormed the port.

The town is close to the site of natural gas projects worth $60m (£46m).

In recent months militants have taken a number of northern towns, displacing tens of thousands of people.

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WNU Editor: In the past two years WNU has done a few posts on the success of Islamic State militants in Mozambique. But this is their first major victory. They routed the military, and they now effectively control this part of the country.

More News On IS Militants Seizing A Key Mozambique Port

Jihadists seize key port in gas-rich northern Mozambique -- France 24
Islamic State-Linked Fighters Seize Key Mozambique LNG Port Town -- Bloomberg
Insurgents seize Mozambique port in gas-rich region, local media say -- CGTN

Islamic State Militants Are Escalating Attacks In Mozambique

The UN says armed groups have stepped up attacks in the Cabo Delgado district of Mozambique [Al Jazeera]

DW: Mozambicans flee in fear of beheadings in extremist north

A militia affiliated with the "Islamic State" militant group has reportedly targeted homes, schools and health clinics, the UN said. The region is home to billion-dollar liquified natural gas projects.

A surge of extremism has torn through northern Mozambique, forcing residents to flee, the UN said on Friday. Officials confirmed that attacks by an Islamic insurgency have increased, with eyewitnesses saying that mass kidnappings have taken place and villages have been burned to the ground.

Seven people are said to have been beheaded earlier this week, AP reported. Homes, schools and health clinics have all been targeted by the rebels, who have been operating in the Cabo Delgado province.

More than 156,000 people are said to have been affected by the insurgency, Cabo Delgado's provincial government said this week.

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More News On Islamic State Militants Escalating Their Attacks In Mozambique

Fresh violence in northern Mozambique forces thousands to flee -- UNHCR
Fighters step up attacks in Mozambique gas region, beheadings reported: U.N. -- Reuters
Beheadings, kidnappings amid surge in Mozambique attacks: UN -- Al Jazeera
Foreign Oil Firms Concerned About Rise of Violence in Northern Mozambique -- VOA

Mozambique Now Being Hit By Suspected Islamist Attacks

File picture shows Mozambique soldier looking at a burned village structure in the north of the country where over the past year, hardline Islamists have been active

AFP: 12 dead in suspected Mozambique Islamist attack

Twelve people have been killed in a suspected Islamist attack in northern Mozambique, with thousands of villagers fleeing the area into neighbouring Tanzania, police sources said Sunday.

Early Friday, "there was an attack in Nangane district, where there are no security patrols. The attackers killed 12 people, mostly women and children," a police source in Cabo Delgado province, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

The attack took place in the village of Chicuaia Velha, just a few kilometres (miles) from Tanzania, forcing several thousand people to cross the border to seek safety, police said.

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WNU Editor: Mozambique has had its share of civil war and conflict. But this is new.

7 Day Truce Declared In Mozambique's 'Silent War'

RFI: Mozambique Christmas truce fuels hopes of peace

The people of Mozambique has welcomed a seven day ceasefire to end hostilities between Renamo opposition fighters and the ruling Frelimo government. Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, declared the truce on Tuesday to allow the public to enjoy the New Year festivities. It comes after an upsurge in fighting that has displaced thousands.

The truce comes at the end of a gruelling year, with rights groups reporting that more than 15,000 people have been forced to flee the fighting between Renamo opposition fighters and the ruling Frelimo government this year alone.

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More News On Mozambique

Mozambique: 'New Year' ceasefire brings rare calm as optimism grows for long-lasting truce -- International Business Times
Mozambique's Opposition Agrees to 7-day Truce After Call with President -- VOA
Mozambique's escalating violence forces thousands to flee -- AFP
Killings in Mozambique Target Lawyers, Judges -- VOA
Mozambique's descent into an old civil war, from a Marine who helped train them -- SOFREP

Mozambique Facing Civil War After Collapse Of 1992 Peace Pact

Mozambique's Renamo 'Ends 1992 Peace Deal' After Raid -- BBC

Mozambique's opposition Renamo movement has ended a 1992 peace accord after government forces attacked the base of its leader, Afonso Dhlakama.

The government forces captured the Sathunjira base in central Mozambique, forcing Mr Dhlakama to flee.

About a million people were killed in the civil war that raged in Mozambique after it achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.

Mozambique's economy has been booming since the civil war ended.

Renamo spokesman Fernando Mazanga said that government soldiers had bombarded the Sathunjira base in central Sofala province with heavy weapons before occupying it on Monday.

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More News On The Crisis In Mozambique

Mozambique opposition call off peace agreement with government -- Deutsche Welle
Mozambique’s Renamo Says 1992 Peace Deal Over as Leader Attacked -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Attack leads Mozambique ex-rebels to end peace deal -- AFP
Mozambique's Former Rebels End 1992 Peace Deal -- Voice of America
Mozambique ex-rebels attack after tearing up 1992 peace deal -- AFP
'Renamo attack' on Mozambique's Maringue police station -- BBC
Ex-Rebels Attack Mozambique Police Station After Ending Peace Deal -- Voice of America
Mozambique peace deal unravels after attack -- Al Jazeera
Mozambique government troops surround base housing opposition leader after violent clashes -- Washington Post
Mozambique troops capture opposition HQ as fears grow for a return to civil conflict -- Euronews
Mozambique faces uncertainty as Renamo ends 1992 peace pact -- Reuters

Riots Continue In Mozambique Over Food Prices

Price Riots Spread in Mozambique -- Voice of America

Protests against rising food and fuel prices have spread to central Mozambique, as isolated riots continue for a third day near the capital.

Demonstrators in the town of Chimoio used stones, clubs, and tires Friday to prevent markets and shops from opening. The Lusa news agency reports that six people were injured when police opened fire on protesters.

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More News On The Riots In Mozambique

10 more killed amid Mozambique rioting -- The Telegraph
Mozambique Riots Spread North, Protesters Injured in Clashes With Police -- Bloomberg
Mozambique police fire rubber bullets at Maputo rioters -- BBC
Mozambique: Violent Unrest, Frustration in Maputo -- Global Voices
Factbox: Violence in Mozambique -- Reuters
In pictures: Mozambique food riots -- BBC

Food Riots Break Out In Mozambique

Deaths In Mozambique Riots -- Al Jazeera

At least six people are killed as clashes erupt during protests over soaring prices of food and fuel.

At least six people have been shot dead in Mozambique's capital during clashes between police and demonstrators protesting against rising food and fuel prices.

Police opened fire on protesters throwing stones and setting fire to tyres and barriers, but it was not immediately clear whether their bullets were responsible for the deaths.

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More News On The Riots In Mozambique

At least 6 reported killed in Mozambique price riots -- Reuters
Mozambique police fire at crowds protesting prices -- AP
Children Die As Police Fire On Food Protesters -- SKY News
Mozambique police kill 6 in food price protest -- CBC
Deadly riots in Mozambique over rising prices -- BBC
Four dead in Mozambique after police fire on protest -- AFP
Mozambique: Frelimo Appeals for Calm -- allAfrica.com
Factbox: Violence in Mozambique -- Reuters

Mozambique In Food Crisis Warning

From The BBC:

The UN has warned it is running out of funds to help the 350,000 people in Mozambique in need of food aid.

The World Food Programme (WFP) told the BBC that seven of the country's 11 provinces face an acute problem because of poor harvests.

Central and southern regions have had less than half their normal rainfall since last October.

Now heavy downpours this week have caused flooding, killed 25 people and left thousands of others homeless.

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