The joint Rwanda and Mozambique security forces have secured new terrorist hideouts in the general areas of Pundanhar and in Nhica do Ruvuma, both located in Palma District, according to information from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This is the latest development in a series of operations conducted by both forces to flush out remnants of the Islamic State-linked insurgents in northern Mozambique. The terrorists, according to a statement issued on Monday, February 14, fled the new positions towards Muidube District. Muidube District is inside the SADC mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) designated sectors of responsibility. SADC is the Southern African Development Community and has since last year also deployed the SAMIM contingent in Mozambique to battle the Islamist insurgents. The Task Force Battle Group Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi visited the Mozambican troops in Nhica do Ruvuma and Rwanda security forces in Pundanhar and congratulated them for the work done. ‘Seriously weakened’ “He informed them that the Ansar sunna Wa Jammah (ASWJ) terrorists were seriously weakened by the joint forces actions but cautioned them to remain vigilant at all times,” reads part of the statement. In a related development, the statement noted that 17 civilians were rescued from insurgents on-the-run, some of whom were women and children. The ambush also saw the capture of two terrorists and two insurgents armed with light weapons killed. It is nearly seven months since Rwanda, at the request of Mozambique, deployed troops to the country’s northernmost Province of Cabo Delgado, to help fight the terrorists, stabilize the area as well as restore state authority. Major battlefield victories have been recorded against the extremists. Just last week, President Paul Kagame hosted his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi to, among others; discuss progress made by the two forces to restore peace in the area. With at least 80 percent of Rwanda’s sector of responsibility cleared, Kagame said that both countries are currently mulling ways to strategically build the capacity of Mozambique’s troops.
