OVERVIEW

ISIS-Mozambique flag

ISIS-Mozambique, a.k.a. Ansar al-Sunna, seeks to violently overthrow the Mozambican Government and expel foreign influences. The branch demands governance by sharia and rejects secular education. ISIS publicly recognized the branch in 2019, provides it with technical assistance and financial support, and touts the branch’s attacks in its propaganda.

ISIS-Mozambique primarily recruits disaffected youth among the Mwani and Makua ethnic groups, exploiting political, economic, and social factors, including feelings of marginalization, religious and ethnic tensions, and poor regional economic conditions.

OPERATING AREA
Primarily in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado

MEMBERS
Approximately 300 fighters

TACTICS AND TARGETS
ISIS-Mozambique uses small arms, IEDs, mortars, and RPGs to attack civilians, local government officials, security forces, foreign aid workers, and public facilities, such as garrisons, police stations, health centers, and schools. Since 2021, the branch has threatened liquid natural gas projects in the region, causing some companies to cease operations.

TERRORIST GROUP DESIGNATION
The State Department designated ISIS-Mozambique as a foreign terrorist organization and designated its former leader, Abu Yasir Hassan, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in March 2021.

KEY LEADER

NOTABLE ATTACKS