On 27 June 2020, suspected Islamist insurgents attacked the northern town of Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province — located approximately 60 km (40 mi) south of Afungi, where a French company and a U.S. corporation are constructing gas projects. Local police officials stated that the attack was “very violent” but did not provide further specifics; the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (DSF) reportedly suffered several casualties. Reports also indicate that helicopters operated by a South African private security firm were involved in the fighting. Thus far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but various Islamist insurgent groups have carried out such attacks in the past, including Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama — which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2019. Such attacks have increasingly become frequent in the province.