Militants behead five villagers in Mozambique

Islamist militants in the north of Mozambique have beheaded five people and kidnapped an unknown number of others in an attack on the village of Pangane.

The nearby area of Chai was also targeted and although no-one died there four people were kidnapped.

The attacks happened last Friday, but information has only just come out as the authorities are reluctant to talk about these kinds of incidents.

According to local sources the consequences of the attacks would have been more serious had it not been for the prompt reaction of the local militia who confronted the militants.

Survivors of the Pangane attack who fled towards Macomia town said that the beheadings were carried out in full view of the other villagers.

According to a report in today’s edition of the independent news sheet Mediafax, two suspected attackers were captured and taken to the police after their movements aroused suspicion.

The militant attack on Palma in the same region on the 24 March gained international attention, as it is the home of a huge project managed by oil and gas company Total.

The insurgency in Cabo Delagdo province has been going on since 2017 and has forced tens of thousands from their homes.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: BBC