Aid Reaches Mozambique's Insurgent-hit Palma After 6 Month Hiatus
Muhammad Irfan Published September 21, 2021 | 12:00 AM
Maputo, Sept 20 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2021 ) :Aid has reached Mozambique's northern coastal town of Palma for the first time since it was overrun by jihadists in March, the United Nations said Monday, even as beheadings were reported in another area.
Palma -- the operational hub of a multi-billion-dollar gas project of France's TotalEnergies -- had been off bounds since Islamic State-linked militants attacked it earlier this year.
Dozens of people were killed, some beheaded, and thousands fled through surrounding forests, joining hundreds of thousands already displaced by the violence.
Humanitarian access to the town remained difficult even as local troops worked alongside soldiers sent by several other African countries to stem the insurgency.
"For the first time since March, humanitarian aid reached people in Palma," tweeted the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) in Mozambique. It added that 2,150 families had received emergency food, hygiene and shelter kits.
Many of those displaced from Palma had sought refuge in the nearby village of Quitunda, close to the gas project, where rights groups say they were trapped by troops and ongoing fighting.
WFP's announcement was made days after suspected militants beheaded five civilians in the village of Namaluco, around 150 kilometres (about 90 miles) south of Palma, military and local sources told AFP this week.
The victims were reportedly brewing a traditional alcoholic beverage when they were killed last week.
Locally referred to as Al-Shabab, Mozambique's insurgents have been attacking the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province since 2017 in a bid to establish an Islamist caliphate.
The group grew bolder last year, escalating attacks that culminated with the raid on Palma on March 24, which forced Total to evacuate its staff and suspend operations.
But they have lost ground since several African countries deployed troops to help overwhelmed local forces.
They suffered a major defeat in August, when Mozambican troops backed by Rwandan soldiers drove them out of their de facto headquarters in Mocimboa da Praia.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Dubai Mum Becomes the First Ever Pakistani Woman to Climb 11 of the 14 Highest M ..
Over 37% Tobacco tax increase suggested to save lives, boost revenue
Mohsin Naqvi has offered a substantial incentive, pledging $100,000 to every pla ..
Citizens join Al Barsha Police in “An Hour for Dubai” Initiative
Art can be a powerful tool to relieve stress, Experts say at Sharjah Children’ ..
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 5 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 05 May 2024
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
18 hours ago -
Land degradation: A threat to food security
18 hours ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
18 hours ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
2 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
3 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
5 days ago
-
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
5 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
7 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
8 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
8 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
8 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
10 days ago