Panafrican News Agency

U.S. provides military training to Mozambican Marines in fight against terrorism

Maputo, Mozambique (PANA) - The U.S. and Mozambican governments on Monday launched a two-month Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) programme under which U.S. Special Operations Forces will train Mozambican marines to support efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) Deputy Commander Colonel Richard Schmidt represented the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) during the opening ceremony, while Major General Ramiro Ramos Tulcidás represented the Government of Mozambique.

In addition to training, the U.S. government provided medical and communications equipment, a statement on the website of the US Embassy said.

Militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) have been blamed for violence and killings in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado since 2017.

At least 2,614 people have died in the conflict, including 1,312 civilians.

A child rights and aid agency, Save the Children, has said nearly 670,000 people were now displaced inside Mozambique due to the conflict in Cabo Delgado – almost seven times the number reported a year ago.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, it said children as young as 11 years are being beheaded in Cabo Delgado, as the conflict continues to displace thousands.

The agency said in a statement that it recently spoke to displaced families who reported horrifying scenes of murder and grief and the loss of loved ones.

The US Embassy said it prioritises the respect for human rights, protection of civilians, and engagement with civil society in all security assistance.

"The United States is committed to supporting Mozambique with a multifaceted and holistic approach to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism," it said, adding that this approach addresses socioeconomic development issues as well as the security situation. 

"Civilian protection, human rights, and community engagement are central to U.S. cooperation and are foundational to effectively counter the Islamic State in Mozambique," the US Embassy said. 

-0- PANA MA 16March2021