President Nyusi claims that Islamists are attacking the northern town of Macomia

President Filipe Nyusi stated in a televised speech that Islamist terrorists launched a significant offensive on the northern town of Macomia on Friday morning, and that Mozambique’s army is battling them.

The town is located in the gas-rich northern region of Cabo Delgado, where terrorists with ties to the Islamic State began an insurrection in 2017. Since January of this year, there has been an increase in attacks despite a significant security response.

“From this morning on, Macomia has been under attack. After roughly 45 minutes of battle, the militants originally left, but they later regrouped and returned, he added, adding that “fire exchange still continues” at around 1000 GMT.

The attack on Friday seemed to be the most significant act of terrorism in a while. Numerous fighters were involved, according to local media, and a huge number of residents had fled.

Due to its July expiration, a regional force from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which was stationed in Mozambique in 2021, began its withdrawal last month.

Attacks can occur during these times of transition, according to Nyusi, who expressed hope that the SADC forces would be able to intervene and provide assistance. It was unclear if they were still engaged in combat or stationed nearby.

Additionally, Rwanda has sent troops to Mozambique to aid in the insurgency’s struggle.

The attack coincides with TotalEnergies, a French energy company, trying to reopen a $20 billion LNG plant in Cabo Delgado, which was put on hold in 2021 because of the insurgency. The town under attack, Macomia, is located about 200 kilometers north of that project.

Additionally, ExxonMobil and partner Eni are working on an LNG project in Northern Mozambique. Last week, ExxonMobil declared that it was “optimistic and pushing forward” given the improvement in security.