A South African mechanic is among several civilians taken hostage after armed rebels attacked a hunting lodge and nearby facilities in northern Mozambique.
The attack happened in Marangira, where the armed group reportedly seized supplies and set parts of the lodge alight. The attackers are believed to be linked to an Islamic State affiliate operating near Cabo Delgado.
Two other lodge employees, including a chef, are also among those reportedly taken hostage.
Eleven people feared missing
Local authorities believe 11 people are missing and may have been taken by the insurgents after civilians were seen being marched away from the town.
It remains unclear whether that figure includes the three lodge employees.
Three Americans who had been staying at the camp were out hunting when the attack took place and were not harmed. They were later airlifted from the area.
Details around the attack, which happened late last week, are still emerging.
Attack believed to have been planned
Conservation broadcasting company Mutambo Films, which has been communicating with people in the area, said available evidence suggested the attack was planned.
The company said the insurgents had reportedly been moving west from Cabo Delgado before the attack.
The mobile phone mast serving the area was also deliberately disabled, cutting communications before the attackers targeted the hunting camp, local police post and medical centre.
The lodge operation had invested about $3.5 million, or roughly R56 million, in infrastructure, conservation and development in the area over the past decade.
Conservation project suffers major blow
Conservation group Moçambique Bio said the attack threatens years of work in Niassa province.
The project borders the Niassa Special Reserve and had supported wildlife protection, anti-poaching initiatives and surrounding communities.
According to the group, its work included helping build a school, mosque and water infrastructure while creating local jobs.
The attack has now disrupted those efforts as authorities work to establish the fate of the hostages and the full scale of the incident.