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EPA
Tens of thousands of people in Mozambique have been driven out by the fighting
Militants linked to the Islamic State group have seized a heavily fortified port in Mozambique after days of fighting, according to reports.
Local media say government forces stationed in the far northern city of Mocimboa da Praia fled, many by boat, after Islamists stormed the port.
The city is close to the site of natural gas projects worth $ 60 million (£ 46 million).
In recent months, militants have taken a number of northern cities, displacing tens of thousands of people.
This was also one of several attacks on Mocimboa da Praia this year, as militants with Islamic State have intensified attacks in the region.
The port is used for cargo deliveries to the oil projects that are about 60 km (37 miles) away, which are being developed by oil giants including Total.
Heavy battle for Mozambique
This is a heavy blow to Mozambique’s security forces. Low on ammunition, and facing a large, well-coordinated rebel attack, it is reported that government troops have left the port city of Mocimboa da Praia, with many soldiers fleeing by boat.
The question now is whether the rebels – as they have indicated – are trying to stick to this strategic city. That would mark a new escalation into a shadow conflict that represents a major threat to Mozambique and to international plans to develop large offshore shore gas fields.
The rebels have formal ties with IS, but also feed on local grievances in a long-neglected corner of the country.
The neighbors of Mozambique are watching with growing fear. A private security contractor based in South Africa provides helicopter support to the military. But this latest attack seems to show that the uprising is still winning in strength and sophistication.
Attacks began in 2017 in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, but escalated this year after the responsible group, Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, loyal to IS.
Earlier this week, IS claimed, though its own media channels, that it had taken over two military bases near Mocimboa da Praia, killing Mozambican soldiers and seizing weapons rights, including machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Tanzania has said it will launch an offensive against jihadists in forests on the border with Mozambique.
