The regional force of the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a significant setback for terrorist activities in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, one of the strongholds of Daesh*-linked militants.
Major M.K. LLetshwiti, the spokesperson for the SADC mission, informed the Western media that the deployment of troops from the Southern African bloc successfully pushed the militants far into the Catupa Forest, an expansive woodland close to the Indian Ocean coastline.
"The combined military operations have led to the return of internally displaced people to their areas of origin across the province and resumption of normal way of life," he said. "Economic activities have resumed."
In late August, Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) Chief of Staff Joaquim Mangrasse confirmed the elimination of Bonomade Machude Omar, also known as Abu Sulayfa Muhammad and Ibn Omar, who had been the operational leader of the insurgency since the conflict began in 2017. Two other senior members were also reportedly killed.
Letshwiti stated that Yassir Hassan, the esteemed leader and guiding figure of the terrorist organization, is rumored to have met his demise earlier, although no additional information has been disclosed.
Rwandan troops primarily hold positions along the gas-rich northeastern coast of Cabo Delgado province, where minimal fighting has occurred over the past year. On the other hand, SADC forces are responsible for a much larger area that has experienced more frequent attacks. Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated in June that the insurgency in neighboring Mozambique was largely contained.
Letshwiti mentioned that the mandate of the SADC mission in Mozambique, known as SAMIM, is set to end on July 15, 2024. He emphasized that the troops have actively been working to enhance the capacity of Mozambique's own forces in preparation for their eventual departure
Letshwiti mentioned that the mandate of the SADC mission in Mozambique, known as SAMIM, is set to end on July 15, 2024. He emphasized that the troops have actively been working to enhance the capacity of Mozambique's own forces in preparation for their eventual departure
"The constant evaluation of the prevailing factors and indicators will determine the required forces," stated the spokesperson for the mission.
*Daesh, also known as ISIL/ISIS/IS, is a terrorist group outlawed in the Russian Federation and many other countries.