Washington warns of Islamic State insurgents' piracy in Mozambique
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
General John W. Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), warned that Islamic State-linked insurgents in Mozambique are increasing their maritime capabilities. He cited recent acts of piracy off the coast and the threat to the Mozambique Channel, a major route for global trade. Washington wants to strengthen security cooperation with Maputo, he said at a virtual State Department briefing.
The United States is concerned about the growing maritime strength of Islamic State-linked insurgents in Mozambique, whose piracy could threaten shipping and international trade along the African coast. Lieutenant General John W. Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), said so on Tuesday at a virtual press briefing organised by the State Department, according to Punch.
Brennan spoke of recent acts of piracy off the country’s coast and the need to protect the Mozambique Channel, a strategic route for global trade. He said Washington wants to strengthen security cooperation with Mozambique and its regional partners.
He recently visited Mozambique and Madagascar with Peter Vrooman, former US ambassador to Mozambique and AFRICOM’s deputy commander for civil-military engagement. The United States plans to strengthen Mozambique’s maritime capabilities through exercises, specialised training and cooperation with defence authorities. A Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise is planned in Mozambique later in the year. Brennan acknowledged that previous exercises had been cancelled because of administrative difficulties, including visas and the entry of special forces and equipment.
This warning follows the insurgent attacks that left fourteen dead in Cabo Delgado, reported on 3 November.
