According to a statement from RDF, the Islamic State in Mozambique (IS-MOZ) terrorist groups were forced to flee to Nkoe and Nguida localities of the same district as they are still being tracked down by the joint forces.

Abdulahim Abrugo, a 59-year-old man who was held by the terrorists for a year in Catupa forest, thanked the joint forces who rescued him and applauded the courage of Rwandan Security Forces who assured him to bring back his daughter who was left in hands of terrorists.

Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight terrorist groups, honoring the request of Mozambique. The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.

The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.

Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.

Before Rwandan troop’s intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.

The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions were seized from rebels.

The Rwandan troops deployed in Mozambique has been helping displaced residents to return home.

Rwandan troops have been fighting terrorists in Mozambique since July last year.

The collaboration between Rwandan and SADC Security Forces has led to the rescue of 600 hostages.