Mozambique: Insurgents Attack Palma Town, 180 Trapped in Hotel

Reports indicate that at least 180 people including foreign workers and expatriates are trapped inside a hotel in the northern Mozambique town of Palma as of March 27. The incident follows the launch of attacks in Palma by armed ISIL (ISIS)
-affiliated insurgents targeting a liquified natural gas (LNG) site in Cabo Delgado province since 24 March.
Security operations are ongoing in the area since March 25 as the military has launched an offensive to repel the militants.
The attacks coincide with a French oil company's announcement to resume operations associated with an ongoing gas project in the area.
The scale and execution of the attacks point towards the raids being well-coordinated and planned in advance by the insurgent group. Security operations are expected to remain ongoing over the coming days.

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State group have raided villages and towns across the province for the past years. Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to the area.