Number of Mozambicans registered for military service grows to almost 281,000
Photo: Twitter / @JubaDailyNews
Mozambican and Rwandan forces on Sunday recaptured the port town of Mocimboa da Praia, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which had been held by terrorists affiliated to the “Islamic State” (ISIS) network for the past year.
The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) announced the victory over Twitter. Shortly afterwards, the RDF spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga, told the AFP news agency that Mocimboa da Praia “was the last stronghold of the insurgents”. Its capture “marks the end of the first phase of counter-insurgency operations”.
VIDEO:
Oscar A Lucas, Mozambique Marine commander in Cabo Delgado Province commends the partnership between #Mozambique and #Rwanda troops in fighting terrorism in the area.📸: @peterkagabo pic.twitter.com/pRSrFFee4M
— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) August 8, 2021
Mozambican and Rwandan commandants meet as their 2 axes join in Mocímboa da Praia. Who said that there will be language barrier or chaos in coordination?! “Muito prazer to meet you” 🇲🇿🇷🇼 #CaboDelgado https://t.co/Xj36ppQ7Mp
— Claude NIKOBISANZWE (@ClaudeNik) August 8, 2021
Ku Cyumweru umunsi w’intsinzi i Mocimboa da Praia mu Ntara ya Cabo Delgado. Ibyihebe byirukanwe mu birindiro bikuru byayo.#RBAAmakuru pic.twitter.com/6k2AGuoam2
— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) August 9, 2021
“We will continue with security operations to completely pacify those areas,” Rwivanga added, hoping that displaced people will soon be able to return to their homes. The number of people displaced from their homes by terrorist raids in Cabo Delgado is now put at over 800,000.
Losing Mocimboa da Praia, said Rwivanga, “is going to be a significant blow to their ability to maintain the insurgency,”
He said there had been heavy fighting. “We are just waiting for the final count but generally speaking the enemy had many casualties,” he added.
Mocimboa da Praia was only district capital in ISIS hands. Its port and airport could be important in the logistics required for reviving the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the neighbouring district of Palma.
The project is in the hands of a consortium led by the French oil gas company Total Energies. Total withdrew all its staff, in the wake of a terrorist raid on Palma town on 24 March. The restoration of security in the area will be key for the resumption of the LNG project.
Here’s the statement from the Mozambican government confirming what Rwanda had told us earlier: Mocimboa da Praia city is now under control of the joint forces. No mention of casualties, arrests of suspected insurgents or rescue of any civilian. pic.twitter.com/rfnn92BajG
— Zenaida Machado (@zenaidamz) August 8, 2021
09/08 SitRep in #CaboDelgado where #Rwanda troops are fighting alongside #Mozambique troops to defeat Islamist-linked insurgents:
The two armies have captured the town of Mocimboa-de-Praia and completed the first phase of their mission. #Thread pic.twitter.com/rQbxYm5aq3
— Gatete N. Ruhumuliza (@gateteviews) August 8, 2021
Rwandan commandos & #Mozambique forces capture major Port City from Terrorist: #Rwanda & Mozambique Commandos battling terrorist groups have captured Port City of Mocimboa da Praia which was major base for terrorist groups & houses Mozambique district govt & Airport.#SouthSudan pic.twitter.com/rG0tmjR0AQ
— Juba Daily News (@JubaDailyNews) August 8, 2021
09/08 SitRep in #CaboDelgado where #Rwanda troops are fighting alongside #Mozambique troops to defeat Islamist-linked insurgents:
The two armies have captured the town of Mocimboa-de-Praia and completed the first phase of their mission. #Thread pic.twitter.com/rQbxYm5aq3
— Gatete N. Ruhumuliza (@gateteviews) August 8, 2021
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