Country Report on Terrorism 2021 - Chapter 5 - ISIS-Mozambique

Aka Ansar al-Sunna; Helpers of Tradition; Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jamaa; Adherents to the Traditions and the Community; al-Shabaab in Mozambique; Islamic State Central Africa province; Wilayah Central Africa; Ansaar Kalimat Allah; Supporters of the Word of Allah

Description:  ISIS-Mozambique reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS as early as April 2018, and was acknowledged by ISIS as an affiliate in 2019.  Since 2017, ISIS-Mozambique, led by Abu Yasir Hassan, has killed more than 1,300 civilians, and it is estimated that more than 2,300 civilians, security force members, and suspected ISIS-Mozambique militants have been killed since the terrorist group began its violent extremist insurgency.

Activities:  In 2020, ISIS-Mozambique launched a series of large-scale attacks that resulted in the capture of the strategic port of Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado Province (CDP) and killed at least 55 soldiers.  In 2021, ISIS-Mozambique attacked the town of Palma for four days, killing dozens of local civilians and foreign expatriate workers and looting about $1 million from banks.  Also in 2021, ISIS-Mozambique attacked three villages in Quissanga District, CDP, killing 17 civilians.

Strength:  ISIS-Mozambique is estimated to have up to 800 fighters.

Location/Area of Operation:  Mozambique

Funding and External Aid:  Although sources of funding remain unclear, the group has targeted banks in previous operations.  The area’s natural resources — including gas, gems, timber, and wildlife — present opportunities for fund-raising.  In addition, the group has taken control of food supplies in areas under its control and has captured weapons from government security forces.

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