Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique, spans an area of 82,625 square kilometers (31,902 square miles) and has a population of 2,320,261 as of 2017. It shares its borders with Tanzania's Mtwara Region and Mozambique's provinces of Nampula and Niassa. The region is predominantly inhabited by the Makonde tribe, with significant ethnic minorities being the Makua and Mwani. The provincial capital is Pemba, while other notable cities include Montepuez and Mocímboa da Praia. Cabo Delgado shares its name with a coastal headland bordering Tanzania, marking Mozambique's northernmost point. In 1964, FRELIMO guerrillas initiated the Mozambican War of Independence by attacking a Portuguese administrative post. Later, the province became the focal point of Operation Gordian Knot, an attempt by Portuguese forces to eliminate guerrilla bases. In October 2017, an insurgency linked to ISIL commenced in Cabo Delgado, marked by attacks and brutal acts. Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been countering the extremists, leading to civilian displacement. The insurgents captured Vamizi Island, and gruesome acts like beheadings, including children, have been reported. The violence escalated with the seizure of Palma in March 2021, resulting in civilian casualties and displacements. In response, the Southern African Development Community deployed a military mission, SAMIM, to the province. As of February 2022, the insurgency still poses a threat, with ongoing civilian casualties and the discovery of insurgent camps by Mozambican authorities.".

Cabo Delgado Province - Wikipedia