Mozambique on the offensive to retake key port

Mozambique’s defence forces have said fighting for the key port of Mocimboa da Praia is continuing, after reports it had fallen to Islamist militants on Wednesday.

The military said there was ongoing action to – as it put it – neutralise the terrorists, who were using the local population as shields.

There have been days of fighting for the port in the gas-rich north of Mozambique.

The town Mocimboa is close to the site of natural gas projects worth $60m (£46m).

The port is used for cargo deliveries to the oil projects about 60km (37 miles) away, which are being developed by oil giants including Total.

The militants – linked to the Islamic State group – have briefly taken a number of northern towns in recent months, displacing tens of thousands of people.

Tanzania has said it will launch an offensive against the jihadists in forests bordering Mozambique.