Rwandan Troops Claim Progress Against Jihadists In Mozambique
Mozambican and Rwandan troops are reportedly preparing a final assault on strongholds of the Islamic State-linked militants in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique.
Last month, the two countries launched joint military operations against the terrorists to destroy all their bases and neutralise their activities against innocent civilians.
Latest reports indicate that Rwandan troops are now cleaning the terrorists’ pockets along their axis and preparing for a final assault on the terrorists’ strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia district.
Mocimboa da Praia is situated 10 kilometres from the joint forces’ current defensive position at Njama village.
A subsidiary axis force is 35 kilometres away from the terrorists’ stronghold of Ntotwe advancing to link up with the main axis force for a subsequent assault as well.
Just last week, Rwandan and Mozambican forces gained full control of the key base of Awasse after repulsing the retreating insurgents.
The town was one of the insurgents’ main bases in Mocimboa da Praia.
According to The New Times, the joint forces also captured two other towns, Palma and Quionga, in the northeast of Cabo Delgado province.
From July to August 4, after capturing the towns and trading centres of Awasse, Palma and Quionga, the joint forces continued to defeat the terrorists and captured other cities and trading centres including Chinda, Mumu, Mbau, Zambia, Mapalanganha, Maputo, Tete, Njama and Quelimane.
Rwanda sent 1 000 troops to Mozambique, at the request of Maputo, to help fight the militants, stabilise the area and restore the authority of the state.
Rwandan troops were sent to work closely with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and forces from SADC, in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado.
Since October 2017 when armed extremists linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched an insurgency in Cabo Delgado, 826 000 people have been driven from their homes and more than 2 000 have been killed.
