In August 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops successfully recaptured the key port city of Mocímboa da Praia in northern Mozambique from Islamist militants. This city had been a stronghold for the insurgents for over two years and was a significant victory in the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province, home to a major gas field in Africa. Rwanda had deployed 1,000 soldiers to assist Mozambique in fighting the insurgents, who had initiated the insurgency back in 2017. The conflict had led to a devastating toll, with more than 3,000 casualties and 820,000 people displaced. The retaking of Mocímboa da Praia was seen as a pivotal moment, marking the end of the first phase of counter-insurgency operations. The spokesperson for the Rwandan Defence Force highlighted the capture of this port city as the insurgents' last stronghold, expressing hopes that security operations would continue to pacify the region and allow displaced individuals to return home. The success of Rwandan troops, who arrived just a month earlier, contrasted with the struggles of the Mozambican armed forces throughout the preceding four years. Despite Mozambique's initial reluctance to seek foreign military assistance, the acceptance of aid signaled an acknowledgment that the conflict could not be won without external support.

On September 26th, 2020, the situation in Mocimboa do Praia, Mozambique, was characterized by ongoing conflict and instability caused by insurgent groups in the region. Police Commander Bernardino Rafael addressed the situation in a press conference held in Pemba on that day. According to the information provided, the port and town of Mocimboa da Praia were not physically under the control of the insurgent terrorists. Commander Bernardino Rafael claimed that the government forces exercised an increased level of control in the area, suggesting that while the town was not entirely in the hands of the insurgents, there was still a significant security threat. Many towns and villages in the region had been abandoned due to the ongoing conflict, and the situation was tense. Despite the government's claims of increased control, the roads leading to Mocimboa remained closed, indicating the challenges in securing the area. Along the coast, insurgent groups appeared to be stockpiling food, sometimes raiding villages when the fish catch came in. The local population was reportedly forced to leave, but there were no reports of physical harm to the residents. Instead, the insurgents confiscated the fish. Inland, there were reports of attacks and continued fighting on the road connecting Mocimboa and Mueda. The attacks extended to villages, such as Chai, on the road heading south toward Macomia. This indicated that the conflict had spread beyond the immediate Mocimboa area. Furthermore, electricity supply to the northern three districts had been cut once again, demonstrating the impact of the conflict on the region's infrastructure and essential services.

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State have seized Mocimboa da Praia a heavily-defended port in Mozambique, near the valuable natural gas projects. Government forces in Mocimboa da Praia fled after an Islamist attack. The port, vital for cargo deliveries to oil projects, is now in militant control, dealing a significant blow to Mozambique's security forces. These insurgents, linked to IS, have exploited local grievances and have intensified attacks in the region this year. Tanzania has launched an offensive against the jihadists along the border with Mozambique.

On June 30, 2020, Mocímboa da Praia in northern Mozambique witnessed widespread destruction as government forces reclaimed control from armed attackers after clashes over the weekend. The town faced a severe lack of basic services, including electricity, water, and telecommunications. A hotel businessman in the area reported extensive damage and an ongoing challenge in assessing the full extent of destruction. Most residents sought refuge outside the town, with concerns about missing individuals and potential casualties during the confrontations. The clashes erupted on Saturday, prompting a mass exodus of the population. This incident followed a previous rebel occupation on March 23, claimed by the Islamic State. Mocímboa da Praia is a significant town in the region, located near a major natural gas exploration project led by international oil companies. The events in Mocímboa da Praia were part of the ongoing violence in the area, with considerable loss of life and a humanitarian crisis affecting the local population.

On June 27, 2020, insurgents once again seized control of Mocimboa da Praia. Intense fighting ensued on that Saturday morning, and as of the following day, Sunday, the town remained partially occupied. At 10:00 AM on June 27, 2020, electricity and mobile phone connections were largely severed. Both sides, comprising insurgents, government forces, and civilians, suffered significant casualties, including a high-ranking government military officer. Videos shared on social media depicted the bodies of insurgents. This development occurred following a series of special police unit raids in Mocimboa neighborhoods in 2020, as they sought to locate insurgents believed to be hiding among the local population in their residences.

In March 2020, Islamist insurgents seized control of Mocimboa de Praia, a significant town in northern Mozambique, close to a major $60 billion natural gas project involving foreign companies. The militants conducted an overnight attack, capturing a military base and hoisting their flag. In response, the Mozambican army and police initiated a counter-offensive. This marked the first time that Mozambican jihadists had targeted a major town, as they typically attacked villages and farms. Residents reported being trapped in the town, with fighters holding them in a mosque. The insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, which had been ongoing for three years, had resulted in hundreds of casualties and thousands of people being displaced. The militants referred to themselves as al-Shabab, but their connection to the larger Somali al-Shabab movement remained uncertain. Cabo Delgado, despite its poverty, possessed valuable untapped mineral resources. In 2010, Mozambique discovered extensive gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin, off the coast of Cabo Delgado. Foreign companies, such as ExxonMobil, had plans to invest significant sums in gas projects in the region.