At least 35 people, including Christians, have been killed in a surge of extremist violence in northern Mozambique, according to the Christian charity Open Doors, which is urging believers to “pray.”

Islamist militants linked to Al-Shabaab have attacked villages in Cabo Delgado province, setting fire to churches and homes, kidnapping believers, and forcing thousands to flee.

Open Doors reported that Christians appear to have been deliberately targeted, with churches destroyed while mosques remain untouched. At least two pastors are missing and feared abducted.

The charity warned that the escalating violence is part of a broader strategy to drive Christians out of the region.

The attacks, which began in late July and have continued into August, have struck several villages and damaged public infrastructure.

In one incident, militants reportedly beheaded five people, later claiming they were Christians. In another, 15 Christians were killed while trying to escape violence in their village.

A field source told Open Doors: “They can burn a church and leave a mosque. The message is clear: Christians are being targeted.”

Since 2017, more than 1.3 million people in Mozambique have been displaced by insurgent violence. In the past eight months alone, nearly 100,000 more have fled their homes.

Brutal persecution of Christians across sub-Saharan Africa has intensified in recent months, prompting the Trump White House to publicly condemn the attacks and pledge action, saying it is working closely with the State Department to stop the violence and defend religious freedom worldwide.

Open Doors is calling for prayer, especially for those who have been displaced and traumatized by the violence.

“Please pray for Cabo Delgado. Pray for peace in Mozambique,” said one local partner.