A series of insurgent attacks recorded last week along National Road Number 380 (N380) has forced road transport operators to divert traffic to the Nairoto route, now used to reach Mueda from Pemba or Nampula, and vice versa.
On Saturday and Sunday, transporters stopped using the N380 altogether. However, the Nairoto route is longer and consists of a dirt road, which becomes almost impassable during the current rainy season.
The attacks occur mainly along the stretch between the Macomia district capital and the Awasse crossroads, specifically between the villages of Chitunda and Xitaxi. This area is covered by dense forests, which limit long-distance visibility for motorists and facilitate insurgent ambushes.
On Thursday and Friday (4-5 December), insurgents attacked convoys transporting passengers and goods under military escort. Images circulating in Cabo Delgado discussion groups show cargo trucks vandalised by insurgents and goods looted.
The presence of soldiers and police officers in the escort has not deterred the Islamic State affiliated jihadists, who have extensive knowledge of the terrain. The insurgents fire high-calibre weapons, such as RPG-3 and PKM, or detonate explosive devices, causing vehicles in the convoy to scatter.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Thursday and Friday attacks, stating that its fighters used explosive devices and machine guns to strike a patrol of Mozambican and Rwandan forces, injuring some officers and seizing equipment.
“Soldiers and police also flee when the convoy comes under ambush by the terrorists,” said a driver who was travelling in the convoy attacked on Friday.
Last week’s attacks resulted in no reported casualties, but material damage was substantial.
The N380 is the only paved road linking the northern districts of Cabo Delgado (Mueda, Nangade, Mocímboa da Praia and Palma) to the southern part of the province, including the provincial capital Pemba, and to the neighbouring province of Nampula.
Most goods supplied to northern Cabo Delgado come from the ports of Pemba and Nacala, and the interruption of traffic along the N380 limits supply and drives up prices. The situation also affects humanitarian assistance transported by road.
The resumption of natural gas exploration projects is increasing the movement of people and goods to the northern districts of Cabo Delgado, which heightens vulnerability to attacks.
Written by The Mozambique Times and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.
