Southern Africa’s freedom from terrorism is at stake in fight for Palma
Another victory for the jihadists in Mozambique could render counterterrorism measures futile
The Mozambican forces’ fight to liberate Palma from the “Soldiers of the Khalifa” who audaciously attacked the town on March 24 could be a decisive battle that will determine the future of terrorism in the region. Another victory for the group, which already controls the town of Mocimboa da Praia, could entrench the roots of terrorism in Mozambique and render any counterterrorism measures futile.
Bitter lessons from Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Iraq and many other places confirm that when terrorists are allowed to control territories, no matter how small, it becomes increasingly difficult to dislodge them. Territorial control affords terrorists the space to carry out the complex training and planning required for sophisticated attacks; generate revenue and other resources, including forced conscriptions; and establish criminal enclaves. Terrorist groups with territorial control tend to be many times stronger than those that do not...
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