Mozambique: Three terrorists shot by Marines in Mocímboa da Praia

Fmozambican marine fighters shot down three alleged terrorists and arrested another in an operation in Mocímboa da Praia, province of Cabo Delgado, today announced the Mozambique War Navy (MGM).

In a statement, MGM states that the action, under an operation carried out since 17 October, was conducted by the Marine Corps, with the support of the Pemba Naval Squadron, in the maritime and island areas of that northern district of the country.

According to the operational report cited by the corporation, the operation resulted in the death of three alleged terrorist elements and the capture of a suspect, “totalizing four elements out of circulation”.

Mozambican forces also seized three AKM-type firearms and several unspecified products, in addition to sinking a vessel allegedly used for logistical support to insurgents.

The Navy states that the operation demonstrates the “operational readiness of the Marines” and coordination with the means of the Pemba Naval Squadron in the fight against armed groups operating in Cabo Delgado.

According to the corporation, the intervention contributed to the safety of maritime spaces and to the protection of coastal communities in the region.

“The Mozambique War Navy maintains its commitment to defending national sovereignty, maritime security and the stabilisation efforts of Cabo Delgado,” he added.

Since October 2017, Cabo Delgado has faced an armed insurgency associated with extremist groups linked to the Islamic State, a conflict that has already caused some 6,600 deaths and 1.2 million displaced people, according to international organizations.

In an interview with Lusa in Maputo, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo thanked the Member States of the European Union (EU) in July for supporting Mozambique in the fight against terrorism and highlighted the role of Portugal, which led the previous one (2022 to 2024) EU Military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ) and leads the current (since 2024) EUMAM MOZ military assistance mission, which was extended in May for another six months until the end of the year.

“ We have completed the support phase in the first agreement, and now we are in a negotiating phase for the extension, at least for more than two years, because we think it is extremely important”, said the Mozambican Head of State.

The previous EUTM-MOZ formed, in two years, more than 1,700 military commands and Mozambican marines, currently integrated into 11 QRF companies deployed to fight insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

The Council of the European Union extended the mandate of EUMAM MOZ in May for another six months until 31 December 2026. The objective is to continue the training programs of the FADM, particularly the Rapid Reaction Forces, including training, logistics and maintenance.

Since September 2024, EUMAM MOZ has implemented more than 40 training programs involving about 1,200 Mozambican military personnel. The mission, led by Portugal, has more than 80 military and civilian personnel from 11 EU Member States and Serbia.