MAPUTO, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Terrorist groups in Mozambique launched an offensive on the town of Macomia in the northern province of Cabo Delgado early Friday, sparking exchanges of fire with local security forces, Radio Mocambique reported.

The Mozambican military resisted the insurgent attacks in Macomia, located 200 kilometers from Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado.

President Filipe Nyusi, speaking in Mahel, Magude district, Maputo province, on Friday, confirmed the attack, praising the courage and dedication of the military in the fight against terrorism.

Amid the chaos, residents sought shelter and safety, while authorities worked tirelessly to contain the violence and protect the local population.

"At around 4 a.m., the terrorists were entering Macomia. They faced strong resistance from my young people (the Armed Defence and Security Forces). They resisted for 45 minutes, and the terrorists withdrew. They organized themselves and returned 50 minutes later," said the president, adding that some terrorists were captured, and the situation is under control.

The attack occurred in an area previously controlled by the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which is gradually withdrawing until July.

According to local newspaper O Pais, the terrorist group attacked an area where one of the military camps of SAMIM forces was located.

The attack disrupted traffic on the main road linking the northern part of Cabo Delgado and the Republic of Tanzania.

Macomia has been the target of terrorist attacks several times before, with the last one taking place in May 2020, when the armed group left the village partially in ruins after occupying it for almost a week, according to the O Pais report. Enditem

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