Islamic terrorists are kidnapping children to serve as soldiers and brides in Mozambique

Fighting in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique has intensified over the last twelve months, with at least 2500 people killed and over 700,000 forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

Fighting broke out in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique in 2017 when a group calling itself al-Shabab — not linked to the Somali Islamist group of the same name – attacked towns in the region.

The rebels have held the port of Mocimboa da Praia since August last year. And they have repeatedly attacked the strategic center of Palma, forcing the French energy firm Total to suspend its $20 billion liquified natural gas project.

As the fighting intensifies, children are paying a stiff price.

“It would be fair to say that abduction of children by terrorists is quite widespread. It’s likely to get worse as the conflict develops,” says Fionn Shiner, Parliamentary and Press Officer for the pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need, UK.

“Boys are being abducted to be forced into becoming child soldiers. Girls are forced to become child brides: They are raped and subjected to all manner of sexual abuse,” he told Crux.

Source: Crux Now