Mozambique: Civilians from Palma Missing

We have been reporting the last couple of weeks on the horrific attacks by ISIS-affiliated jihadists in the northeastern part of Mozambique. An as-yet-undetermined number of civilians have been murdered, many beheaded, including children and at least 12 foreigners. The Mozambican army has recaptured the town of Palma in Cabo Delgado Province, but many civilians are believed to be missing, having been abducted by the retreating jihadists.

The below article is from today’s Portuguese daily, Correio da Manhã and is translated by Fousesquawk.

https://www.cmjornal.pt/mundo/detalhe/autoridades-mocambicanas-acreditam-que-populares-foram-mortos-durante-fuga-em-palma?ref=HP_Africa_PrimeirosDestaques

Soldiers patrol Palma

Correio da Manhã11 de Abril de 2021 às 09:57

Mozambican authorities believe residents were killed during escape in Palma

Security forces retake the town after almost 10 days of combat

The Mozambican authorities admitted Saturday that many inhabitants of Palma could have been taken by Islamic militants and killed in the bush, during the escape.

“We have information that a large part of the residents were abducted and during the retreat were killed along the way,” said the spokesman of Operation Theater North, Chongo Vidigal. The same official added that when the security forces retook the town after almost 10 days of combat, some jihadists could have blended into the population since many resided in Palma or Quitunga.