Members affiliated with the Islamic State gained control of a strategic port and have instituted Sharia Law; National authorities are receiving foreign help to try and combat the militants.
After seizing a strategic port in the northern part of the country, militants belonging to the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) have taken up residence inside the country of Mozambique, which is located in eastern Africa, due west of the island of Madagascar.
The terror group overtook the Port of Mocimboa da Praia and installed Sharia Law over the city. Military forces from Mozambique are continuing to fight against the militants and are even being helped from foreign militaries such as South Africa and Russia. The defense minister of the country, Jaime Neto, communicated that innocent civilians are being murdered, stating that ISIS “attacked the town from the inside out, causing destruction, looting, and the murder of defenseless citizens.”
The Port of Mocimboa da Praia is critical, largely due to its involvement in the oil industry. It’s reported that multiple foreign entities are in the process of developing gas projects in the area. However, it’s doubtful that the militants will hold the port for long.
The province wherein these events are taking place is the Cabo Delgado Province, which has a population of well over two million. These militants have been successful in manipulating the hearts of the people, recruiting several from the area. It’s estimated that a fifth of the country is Muslim.
