SADCNews|Using heavy artillery and high-caliber mortars, the army on Tuesday began shelling several key points in the province held by the rebels, the official statement from the Ministry of National Defence said.

“FOLLOWING THE OPERATIONAL PLAN IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY, THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY FORCES HAVE LAUNCHED A FURTHER ARTILLERY BLOW, DELIVERED WITH A 122.4MM B11-P CANNON BATTERY AND 120MM MORTARS, AGAINST A WRONGDOER HIDING PLACE IN THE MIANGALEWA REGION OF MUIDUMBE DISTRICT IN CABO DELGADO PROVINCE,” THE STATEMENT READ.

The authorities confirmed the artillery bombardment resulted in the deaths, however, the exact number of casualties among the insurgents has not been disclosed.

The violent attacks conducted by the rebel movements in Cabo Delgado have claimed hundreds of lives since the start of this year. The criminals were seen not only murdering the civilians in the area but also raping the women and children while taking some of them hostage.