Islamists seize Mozambique port

In northern Mozambique on Aug. 12, a militant Islamist group associated with Daesh (ISIL) took over the strategic port city of Mocímboa da Praia, with a population of about 30,000, killing at least 50 soldiers in the attack. A counterattack was staged within a few hours, but, as of press time, the city had not been retaken.

Islamist groups allied with Daesh have staged attacks in the northeast province of Cabo Delgado since at least 2017. The region, particularly offshore areas near Mocímboa da Praia, is oil rich.