Cabo Delgado: Reports emerge of ambush in Awasse – Carta

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Cabo Delgado: Reports emerge of ambush in Awasse – Carta

12:06 CAT | 11 Sep 2020

Image: Twitter / @Jasminechic00

Everything looked set for the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) to regain control of the capital town of Mocímboa da Praia district, in the north of Cabo Delgado province, which has been in the hands of the insurgents since last 12 August, ‘Carta de Moçambique’ reports today.

But, according to the same source, the “mega-operation” last Monday (07-09) failed as a result of an ambush in Awasse, also in Mocímboa da Praia district.

According to military sources, a detachment of more than 200 FDS members, including artillerymen from the Armed Defence Forces of Mozambique (FADM) and agents of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), a branch of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), was ambushed by terrorists in Awasse, 30 km from the town of Mocímboa da Praia.

During the ambush – at a roadblock on Estrada Nacional Nº. 380, the terrorists set fire to two vehicles, hastening the retreat of the government forces.

The incident, which took place in the morning, was in fact referred to in head of state Filipe Nyusi’s Victory Day speech on September 7, though not in detail.

Carta sources did not advance any death toll, but said there were casualties on all sides, further detailing that some FDS members chose to return to Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado, while the whereabouts of the others remain unknown.

It should be noted that the failure to pay subsidies promised by the head of state to the military on active duty in Cabo Delgado, Sofala and Manica continues to cause friction between the military and its leaders in Cabo Delgado.

The Awasse attack: According to contacts GSF gained controlled over the intersection following clashes and Pres Nyusi also referred to the specific clashes pic.twitter.com/E7Z4DKSzf1

— Jasmine Opperman (@Jasminechic00) September 10, 2020