MAPUTO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican police said on Wednesday in Maputo that the attacks that took place in the coastal district of Mocimboa da Praia in the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado were terrorism acts, and that the individuals behind the crimes would be brought to justice.
"The configuration of the crimes committed by these individuals falls under terrorism category, and they will be held responsible according to the level of crimes committed," said Inacio Dina, police spokesperson during a press conference.
On Oct. 5, 2017, a group of about 30 armed fundamentalists launched simultaneous attacks against three police stations in Mocimboa da Praia, leading to the death of two policemen and a community leader in that single day.
So far, the police have arrested 251 suspects accused of involvement in this crime. The police also admit that the gangsters continue to be on the loose and this places the district in an alarmed situation, with its population fearing for the safety of their life and property.
"An attempt against a state authority, particularly the police, is a terrorist crime according to the law. The individuals that committed these crimes will be treated as the law on this domain recommends," said the spokesperson.
The police have been intensifying the patrol in the district and appealing the gangsters to hand over their arms, and to stop the attacks and report to the authorities.
Before Christmas, the police gave an ultimatum of seven days for the gangsters to hand over their arms, but no one has given in.
When issuing the ultimatum, the police promised that those who give in would be integrated to the development process of the country, which is now dedicating its efforts to restore a long-lasting peace.
The group seems to have no direct connection with the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab, though it is often called by the same name, according to the national news agency AIM.
