11/10/2020 Mozambique (International Christian Concern) – A conflict in the Cabo Delgado region of Northern Mozambique has been growing over the past two years. This conflict has driven hundreds of thousands of people into displacement and caused a near civil war in the area. The Islamic State is now supporting the actions of the militants known as al-Shabab, though they are not connected to the Somali based group of the same name. ISIS has also established an offshoot based out of Eastern DRC known as the Islamic State Central African Province.
On October 31, one of these two groups attacked multiple villages, killing many people and destroying many homes. According to several reports, at least 50 people were beheaded in the villages of Nchinga, Namacunde, 24 de Março, Muatide and Muambula. Many of those killed were younger people who reportedly refused to join the rebellion. Also many other people were kidnapped during the attacks that took place.
Though it is unclear which group conducted these attacks, it is very likely that as the violence continues, Christians will be increasingly targeted. ISCAP will follow ISIS’s example and will try and rid the area of all non-Muslims, especially Christians. It seems to be the express goal of each group to create a Caliphate. Please pray that peace and safety could return to this region.
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