Mozambique jihadists using police equipment in attacks

Mozambique police have admitted that a stolen police vehicle and uniforms are being used by a group of Islamist insurgents, after photos emerged on social media. 

The stolen equipment is being used to perpetrate attacks in the country’s gas-rich northern province of Cabo Delgado. Photos shared online showed the insurgents parading around in the stolen car.

Police Chief Bernardino Rafael confirmed on Wednesday that investigations were being carried out to establish how the group got a hold of the equipment.

"This is a vehicle the wrongdoers acquired in strange circumstances. The vehicle is ours. We confirm that the car is ours and was set on fire under circumstances that we are investigating to clarify”, Mr Rafael said. He added that the insurgents have since torched the vehicle. 

The islamist group is known locally as al-Shabab, but has no known association with the Somalia-based jihadist group of the same name. The insurgents have been carrying out sporadic attacks in the region for more than two years. 

The attacks have included beheadings, the raiding of police stations and arson, which has forced many villagers from their homes.

Cabo Delgado province is a hub for mining and petroleum exploration.  

Photo credit: AFP | Joaquim Nhamirre