Islamic State has declared its fighters carried out the attack on the Mozambique town of Palma, where dozens were killed, thousands displaced and some are still missing.
ISIS posted on its Telegram channels that the caliphate’s soldiers seized the strategic town of Palma.
Insurgents hit the town, adjacent to gas projects estimated to be worth $60 billion, in a three-pronged attack on Wednesday last week. A security source directly involved in efforts to secure the town said the fighting happened well into Monday.
Witnesses noted scores of fighters sneaked into the town ahead of the attack. There are speculations that they hid in the homes of locals whom they paid.
Police reportedly tried to repel the invaders, while the fighters inside the town mounted their own attack.
The United Nations has condemned the assault on Palma and is now coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to those affected by the violence.
The government on Sunday remarked that Palma was not controlled by the insurgents and it was working to further secure the area. Dozens have been confirmed dead. Some were ambushed as they fled.