Islamic State Reports on Operations in Mozambique: Translation and Overview

For the Islamic State, the group’s “Mozambique province” has propaganda value as an illustration of the group’s global reach despite the loss of its territorial caliphate in Iraq and Syria. But the Islamic State’s far-flung affiliates in Mozambique and elsewhere are not tied to the Islamic State for reasons divorced from the group’s ideology. Rather, the ideology is an integral part of the bond, and one aspect of that ideology is the notion of waging war on Christians so long as they are Christians who do not submit to the dhimmi pact or convert to Islam, regardless of ‘grievances’ like oppression of Muslims by Christians. This pride in persecution of Christians is constantly emphasised in the propaganda, as illustrated in these reports from the most recent issue of the group’s al-Naba’ newsletter (issued last Thursday) with a report and infographic regarding Mozambique, which I translate below.

Escalation of the soldiers of the Caliphate’s attacks in Wilayat Mozambique

During 52 days from 13 Jumada al-Akhira until 6 Sha‘aban

27 various attacks that resulted in:

70 killed and wounded from the Mozambican army and Christians
Destruction of 6 vehicles
Destruction of 500 homes, churches and government buildings of the Christians.
Destruction of 3 positions of the Crusader Mozambican army.

Distribution of the attacks in Cabo Delgado over the areas of Pemba, Macomia, Chiure, Mecufi, Mocimboa da Praia

Ramifications of the attacks:

. Great economic losses
. Global Crusader companies stopping work.
. Large wave of displacement of Christians from their villages.