The US have committed their special operations troops to assist counterterrorism forces in Mozambique in an effort to prevent the spread of terrorism and violence from groups associated with Islamic state. US forces will not be actively participating in action but will instead be focusing on training Mozambican marines to ensure that they are able to effectively respond to current and future terrorist activities in the region. The US are also providing vital communication and medical equipment to Mozambican forces.

Previously, US military activities have focused on humanitarian campaigns and so this latest activity is a shift in focus for the US in this region solely focused on counterterrorism and will be led by the US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCA). The US responded to a Mozambique government request for international assistance as the country has seen a sharp rise in violence with the displacement of some 670,000 people.

Most recently Islamic terrorists orchestrated a sophisticated large-scale attack at key regional port Mocimboa da Praia which is near to the border with Tanzania and is located in an oil-rich region in the North of Mozambique.

The United States embassy in Mozambique stated, “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”.

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