The spokesman for the Council of Ministers, Inocêncio Impissa, said on Tuesday that the government still has no information about an attack on a Russian ship in Mozambican waters.

"We're going to let intelligence take over this issue. When we have more accurate data to share, we will do so," said Impissa. At the press's insistence, he stressed: "I don't have any information on this"

However, the Executive spokesman assured that if there is "much more concrete" data, the information will be shared with the country. He did not give any possible dates.

"Let's let intelligence do its job. I think that's the sensible thing to do. Then we'll clarify the data as necessary," he promised.

The Administrator of Mocímboa da Praia, in Cabo Delgado, confirmed the attack between May 7 and 8, on the high seas, near the Mtembuzi and Vamizi islands.

The armed attack was carried out by two vessels against the Russian oceanographic ship Atlantida K-1704, which was carrying out research off the coast of Africa, having visited several countries before Mozambique.

"The commander (of the Russian ship) took the ship out to sea, and as the boats (of the armed group) didn't have the autonomy to sail in deep waters, they turned around and headed for the Messalo river, where they have a cache of boats that they rip off from local fishermen and economic agents," said Sérgio Cipriano, quoted by "O País".

The embassy confirmed the attack to the television channel STV, but did not name the possible perpetrators. It said that the case had already been referred to the government for investigation.