Islamic extremists in northern Mozambique have reportedly killed four Christians, two of whom were executed by having their throats slit.
The attacks, carried out by militants from Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), occurred in early November in Cabo Delgado province, according to Christian charity Barnabas Aid.
The violence began on November 3rd in Muidumbe District, where two Christians were captured and murdered. Over the following days, ISM militants killed two more Christians—one in a machine gun attack on November 7th and another on November 9th.
ISM, linked to the global ISIS network, has been conducting a brutal insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017, aiming to establish a strict Islamic state.
The group is notorious for burning villages, destroying churches, abducting pastors, and targeting civilians, including Christians, who have faced forced conversions, abductions, and killings.
Over 800,000 people have been displaced by the violence, with Christians especially vulnerable in this predominantly Muslim northern region.
Despite international military efforts, including troops from Rwanda, ISM continues to exploit poverty and instability in the region, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Reports from Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors indicate that Christians are often caught in the crossfire between government forces and jihadist insurgents, highlighting the urgent need for global awareness and action.