Cabo Delgado: Armed group attacks Macomia

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Cabo Delgado: Armed group attacks Macomia

1:15 CAT | 29 May 2020

File photo: Voa Portugues

Residents reported heavy gunfire early on Thursday morning, prompting many to flee their homes.

The town of Macomia is the main hub on the paved road that connects the north and south of Cabo Delgado province. It has a bank branch, commercial establishments and various other services.

“They are here,” a resident told Lusa news agency, describing the sounds of gunfire in the town after sunrise, and all the while preparing to join the rest of the population in the bush.

Other residents also reported fleeing gunfire, including the sound of heavier weapons.

Neighbouring villages

Residents said they had received warnings from neighbouring villages in Litamanda and Chai, 40 kilometres north of Macomia, reporting that they had been under attack by armed men since 4:00 a.m. local time.

The information also reached relatives born in Macomia but displaced by the conflict and now in Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado, but who throughout the day were losing contact with those still keeping their cell phones active in the bush.

Despite numerous attempts, it was not possible to obtain clarification from the authorities.

Cabo Delgado has been under attack by rebel armed groups since October 2017, classified since the beginning of the year by Mozambican and international authorities as a terrorist threat.

Source: Deutsche Welle