Mozambique: “Great expectations and hopes deposited in new ministers”, says Chapo - AIM report
“Port of Mocimboa has been recovered” – Minister of National Defence | Carta
3:51 CAT | 08 Jan 2021
File photo: Lusa
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the national launch of the registration for the Mandatory Military Service on Wednesday in Zambézia province, Minister of National Defence Jaime Neto said that “the port of Mocimboa da Praia is no longer in the hands of the enemy. Yes, terrorists are there, but the Navy has strengthened its inspection work”.
“They (the terrorists) were fighting from within the district,” Jaime Neto explained, “and this created conditions for them to establish themselves there for a long time. We believe that one or two are still in the district, but we are making efforts to regain all ground and put all institutions back to work.”
“Sometimes, terrorists attack our positions,” Neto admitted, “but our forces are ready to respond to any enemy fire. The morale of our force is good and they are doing everything to ensure that no part whatsoever of our territory is occupied by the enemy.”
Mocimboa da Praia has been assaulted three times by the terrorists, the last being in August 2020 when, by means of fake military personnel “transfer order”, they invaded the barracks there, killing hundreds of civilians and military personnel, destroying infrastructure and occupying the town, leaving the district deserted.
However, after several recovery attempts, on the morning of January 6, 2021, Minister of National Defence Jaime Neto announced that the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and Navy now control the strategic port, and that several vessels have been destroyed and people who cannot explain the reason for their trips detained.
By Omardine Omar
Source: Carta de Moçambique
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