Since 2017, northern Mozambique has been prone to militia attacks. A total of a thousand plus people have succumbed amid these insurgencies. These attacks keep interfering with the country’s plan that aims to develop offshore gas reserves.
Last month, gunmen disguised in Mozambique military fatigues ambushed workers at the construction site in Palma. The assassins were about 50 km from the Total LNG site when they started firing at the employees. Eight people of the construction firm succumbed while three survived and the other three out of sight.
Despite the numerous terror attacks in the country, threats on workers have been rare. The liquified Natural Gas project is a multibillion-dollar deal which once complete, will improve the economic crisis in northern Mozambique and the country at large. The Fenix Construction service Lda and French oil giant total have partnered to ensure the project succeeds.
The tragic day in Northern Mozambique
The attack occurred on 27th June when five armed men, dressed in military uniforms attacked a vehicle belonging to Fenix construction. Inside the vehicle were 14 men. The insurgents fired relentlessly at the 14 occupants, leaving them for the dead. However, three people survived.
“On Saturday 27th June a vehicle belonging to Fenix Construction, a company that operates in Palma, …was attacked by five insurgents, approximately four kilometers north of Mocimboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado (province),” the company said in a statement on Sunday.
Regardless of the tragedy and insecurity in the region, Total stated they would embark on the $23 billion project. They promised to deploy enough forces to guard the area against any attacks.
On the same day, sources reported Islamic militants, commonly known as Ansar Al-sunna staged an attack in Cabo Delgado province. The government is planning to heighten security in the region because there has been an upsurge of militant activities.
At the time of the attack, both the security forces and the militants had clashed. Meanwhile, the locals ran into the bushes scared for their lives. The terrorists set houses ablaze. They closed all the routes leading to the province, leaving casualties at their mercy. The damage to infrastructures was severe as they had burnt numerous buildings.
This is the second attack the residents of Cabo have endured from the insurgents. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reveals that at least 1300 people died amid the latest attacks. Moreover, as of May, up to 210000 people lost their homes. However, due to the numerous attacks this year, there is a probability the number rose to 250000. These terror groups are so delusional as they always claim responsibility after conducting massacres.
Precautions amid militia attacks
Some European states have cautioned people from traveling to Cabo Delago province. They have warned travelers to refrain if a must, they should seek professional security. The area is dangerous and therefore possesses harm. They have also urged the residents in Cabo Delago to remain vigilant to militant activities, stay at home and obey directives from their government and local authorities.
More:
