Rwandan Soldiers Killed by Insurgents in Mozambique

Three Rwandan soldiers serving in the peacekeeping mission in Mozambique have been killed by jihadist insurgents, the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has said.

Another six were wounded in an ambush on May 3 in the dense Katupa forest in Macomia District, Cabo Delgado Province.

After confirming the assault, RDF spokesman Brig-Gen Ronald Rwivanga informed The East African: "This area remains a combat zone; such incidents are anticipated yet managed effectively. All those who sustained injuries during this event are progressing satisfactorily." He added that their adversaries faced significant losses amid ongoing conflicts. Despite Major-General Tiago Alberto Nampele, Mozambique’s military leader, claiming at year-end 2023 that nearly all insurgent actions had been suppressed with only five percent still active, guerrilla units continue operating from locations including Katupa, establishing transient encampments there.

Because of these tactics, insurgent activities are reported to have intensified in Northern Mozambique, with Mozambican media reporting two recent attacks in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Niassa targeting the Rwandan troops.

The Islamic State-affiliated insurgents claimed responsibility for the latest attack through their propaganda channels.

According to The Mozambique Times, during the incursion, the rebels stormed the stores belonging to local merchants and stole food along with various items.

According to villagers who talked to the district administrator following his post-incident visit, they also took a 14-year-old girl from the town.

Local informants additionally stated that the militants acquired two RPG-7 rocket launchers from the Rwandan troops during the confrontation.

On April 19, members of a terrorist organization attacked the hunting grounds of Kambako Safaris inside the Niassa Special Reserve, close to the border with Cabo Delgado, resulting in the death of two employees.

Another four lodge employees were held captive, as the attackers demanded a ransom of three million meticais ($46,953).

Following the assaults, Rwandan troops have boosted their helicopter monitoring efforts, particularly upon finding land mines within the woodland area.

Following Rwanda's initial deployment to Mozambique aimed at neutralizing the Al Sunnah wa Jama'ah militants, numerous senior terrorist leaders have been taken out.

Earlier this year, the European Union awarded Rwanda a €20 million ($22.73 million) grant to aid the RDF’s efforts in Cabo Delgado. This funding supplemented previous assistance, offering additional resources for equipment as well as strategic airlift capabilities. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).