# Human Rights Watch says Islamic State-linked militants active in northern Mozambique are increasingly abducting children, with at least 120 kidnapped this year although some have already been released. The gas-rich region has been plagued for years by jihadist violence that has killed thousands of people, caused others to flee and forced the suspension of a giant gas exploration project by TotalEnergies. Human Rights Watch says the armed group operating in Cabo Delgado province has ramped up abductions of children, using them as fighters or for labour or marriage.
Human Rights Watch says IS-linked militants are increasingly abducting children in Mozambique