Global Terrorism Index 2025

​Results
 
Islamic State and Affiliates: Islamic State Mozambique
The Mozambique IS wing (ISM), locally known as Al-Shabaab though not related to the Somali group, emerged in October 2017 from a long-standing Salafist sect. Heavily armed fighters launched attacks on security forces in Cabo Delgado’s northern province, driven by growing tensions with local leaders. The group was designated a separate ‘province’ from ISCAP in 2022.
 
ISM’s primary area of operation is the northern province of Cabo Delgado, though other provinces, such as Balama, Chiure and Macomia, also saw group development. It also conducts cross-border attacks in southern Tanzania.
 
ISM's early years were characterised by violent activities, with frequent attacks on civilians. Between 2017 and 2019, the group was involved in 66 incidents, mostly targeting civilians in districts like Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia and Palma. 
 
In 2019, IS officially recognised ISM as part of ISCAP, strengthening the group’s resources and strategic focus. ISM increased its operations, targeting urban centres and key infrastructure, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project near Palma. By 2020, the group had taken control of Mocímboa da Praia and disrupted major transportation routes, pushing the state to respond with counterinsurgency efforts.
 
Since 2021, international interventions by Rwandan security forces and the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique have significantly disrupted ISM’s activities. Although the group initially resisted these offensives, its capacity for political violence has steadily declined since late 2022. ISM’s focus shifted from targeting civilians to state institutions and LNG sites. ISM also became distinct from ISCAP in 2022.
 
By the end of 2023 and into 2024, ISM escalated its operations across northern and southern Mozambique, including in previously untouched areas like Chiure and Mecúfi districts in southern Cabo Delgado. In the first six months of 2024, the group carried out deadly attacks, including kidnappings and massacres, displacing over 200,000 people.45 Despite international efforts to reclaim territory, ISM exploited the region’s weak governance to regain strength. The group remains focused on capturing and controlling territory, following the same strategies used by other IS branches in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. In 2024, these branches carried out a total of 28 terrorist attacks in the DRC and 33 in Mozambique. 
 
Global Terrorism Index 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace. Sydney, Australia.