Militants take South African mechanic hostage in Mozambique — TimesLIVE
Armed militants have taken civilians hostage at a hunting lodge and in the town of Marangira in northern Mozambique, including a mechanic from South Africa. The attack occurred late last week, TimesLIVE reports.
The attackers struck the lodge and the town, took supplies, burned facilities at the hunting lodge and led people away. They are believed to be linked to a group affiliated with Islamic State near Cabo Delgado province.
Base employees among the missing
According to the Marloth & Beyond Facebook page and Mutambo Films, which is in contact with people on the ground, two employees of the hunting camp may also be among the hostages, one of whom was a cook.
Three US citizens who were at the camp were hunting during the attack and were not harmed. They were later airlifted out of the area.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Authorities searching for 11 people
Local authorities believe that 11 people may be missing and have likely been taken hostage. According to their information, the militants led civilian residents of Marangira out of the town. It is currently unknown whether the three employees of the hunting camp are included in this number.
Mutambo Films said the available information indicates that the attack was planned. According to the company, the militants had been moving westward from Cabo Delgado for a long time and deliberately disabled a mobile tower before the attack, cutting off communications. They then attacked the hunting camp, a police post and a medical centre in Marangira.
The company associated with the hunting lodge has invested $3.5 million over the past decade in infrastructure, nature conservation and the development of the area. Reuters reported that football coach Carlos Queiroz is one of the co-owners of the facility.
