The US has completed the second joint military training in Mozambique in response to the terrorist threat in Cabo Delgado, in the north of the country, the US embassy announced today.

"The United States remains committed to helping Mozambique fight terrorism and prevent the spread of violent extremism," U.S. Ambassador Dennis Hearne said during the closing ceremony of the training on Friday and quoted in a statement today.

The training of US Special Operations Forces and 100 elements of the Mozambican Commandos lasted six weeks with the aim of preventing the spread of terrorism and with a view to strengthening cooperation between the two countries, the document adds.

The preparation came after an initial two-month training, which concluded in May and was directed at Mozambican marines.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to conduct more training with Marines and Commandos of Mozambique's Armed and Defense Forces (MDDF).

Since July, the US has also conducted a second medical training program for combat situations in which 60 soldiers from the FADM participated.

"The medical personnel who participated in the training are now certified to train fellow service members," the statement said.

The U.S. also included members of the FADM in the Cutlass Express regional maritime exercise.

Cabo Delgado is a province rich in natural gas, but terrorized since 2017 by armed rebels, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.

The conflict has already caused more than 3,100 deaths, according to the ACLED conflict registration project, and more than 817,000 displaced people, according to the Mozambican authorities.

Since July, an offensive by government troops with the support of Rwanda allowed for increased security, recovering several areas where there was a rebel presence, including the town of Mocímboa da Praia, which had been occupied since August 2020.

Lusa Agency