Islamic State-backed insurgents have escalated attacks across southern Cabo Delgado, targeting mining sites, abducting civilians and clashing with security forces in a renewed push south that has sent thousands fleeing.
The surge began on 26 April with clashes in Muaja, a gold-mining area in Ancuabe district, where fighters took positions near mining sites and prompted a response from Mozambican armed forces (FADM). After the confrontation, insurgents abducted dozens of miners — reports suggest up to 80 — and demanded ransoms of 50,000 meticais per person. Some captives have since been released after payments; others remain held. The same group, believed to have moved from the Ravia mining area in Meluco district, is also reported to have occupied a gold mine north of Intutupwe village.
