Distrito de Mocímboa da Praia
Maputo, 23 Feb (AIM) – A group of Islamist terrorists last Friday kidnapped eight people in Mocímboa da Praia district, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.
According to local sources, cited by the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique”, the victims’ whereabouts are so far unknown.
Sources explained that, since last Thursday, the terrorists have been circulating in the communities of Kitope and Anga, in Mocímboa da Praia district. However, it is suspected that the victims, all male, were recruited by the terrorists to help remove a boat that was stranded along the coast, on the one hand, or to help load their products, on the other hand.
“Since the approach of the month of fasting for believers of the Muslim religion, the terrorists have intensified their movements around the islands of Mocímboa da Praia. Recently, they appeared in the regions of Nhonge Island and Makulo to acquire foodstuffs. Two weeks ago, a group of terrorists went to the village of Anga in search of food”, the paper’s sources said.
Apart from the reported incursions, which allegedly did not involve acts of violence, residents of the town of Mocímboa da Praia describe life as proceeding relatively normally, although the authorities face challenges in providing services and adequate infrastructure.
Other sources believe that the victims may be released, since the terrorists have not been involved in acts of violence against civilians.
(AIM)
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