In the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, an ambulance belonging to the local health service was recently attacked by suspected terrorists, who forcibly stopped the vehicle and stole medicines along with patients’ belongings.
The incident occurred on Friday between Awasse and Macomia, two key points along National Road 380, one of the few paved highways in the region.
According to a source within the health service, the attack happened shortly after the ambulance driver spotted hooded men blocking the road, compelling him to halt.
The assailants then seized vital medical supplies intended to aid local communities already burdened by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
This incident comes amid growing insecurity in Cabo Delgado, where insurgent groups have increasingly imposed illegal tolls on travelers along key routes. Since January, these groups have demanded fees for safe passage, particularly between Awasse and Macomia, a corridor repeatedly targeted by violence.
Mamudo Irache, the provincial government representative, confirmed that kidnappings and attacks have surged in this area, especially following the withdrawal of military escorts that previously guarded convoys on these roads. The absence of protection has left residents and transporters vulnerable to violence and extortion.
The call for reinstating military escorts was echoed by local business leaders, including the president of the Cabo Delgado business council, who recently urged authorities to restore security measures on these crucial transportation routes
. At a provincial government meeting held earlier this week, Cassimo Ibraimo, head of the Cabo Delgado Road Transporters Association, emphasized the dire situation, describing it as “worrying” and detrimental to the region’s fragile stability.
As Cabo Delgado continues to grapple with insurgent violence disrupting daily life, the humanitarian toll grows heavier, with communities facing not only insecurity but also shortages of essential medical care. The latest attack underscores the urgent need for renewed security efforts to safeguard civilians and ensure the delivery of vital health services in this troubled region.
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