Mozambique: Islamic militants behead five villagers

According to a report by The Herald on 5 May 2021, militants in northern 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, where a further four civilians were kidnapped. World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele thinks the crisis in northern Mozambique has now got out of hand: "Militants affiliated to the Islamic State group continue to brutally target civilians. In March 2021, dozens of people were killed and thousands were forced to flee after hundreds of‚ Islamic militants attacked‚ Palma in Cabo Delgado (BBC News, 29 March 2021). According to local sources, anyone who refuses to support the jihadists and embrace their beliefs is attacked and their property set on fire; Christians are also being deliberately targeted (Barnabas Fund, 30 March 2021). The US embassy has sent Special Forces trainers to bolster the efforts of Mozambique"s army and leaders of the regional bloc, Southern African Development Community‚ (SADC), are also working to help restore stability in the area. Nevertheless, there is danger that the jihadists will be able spread their influence to other‚ parts of the country, resulting in more insecurity, especially for Christians."