The attack occurred on May 3, 2025, in the dense Katupa forest, located in Macomia District.

According to RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the ambush was carried out by insurgents. He noted that while Rwanda suffered casualties, the enemy incurred significant losses.

“Yes, it happened on May 3 in Katupa forest. The soldiers were on duty when they were ambushed. Three were killed and six injured, but they are recovering. The enemy suffered heavy casualties,” Brig Gen Rwivanga.

Katupa forest, in northern Macomia, is one of the regions where insurgents regrouped after being expelled from other areas of Cabo Delgado. The area was previously under the control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission.

In late 2023, Rwandan forces engaged in intense fighting in the region and successfully rescued approximately 600 hostages held by insurgents.

In late 2023, Rwandan forces engaged in intense fighting in the area and managed to rescue around 600 hostages held by the insurgents.

The latest attack comes as Rwanda is also involved in training Mozambique’s national forces to strengthen their capacity to independently protect their country once international missions conclude.

Mozambique’s Army Chief, Maj Gen Tiago Alberto Nampele, previously stated that 95% of insurgent activity had been eliminated by the end of 2023.

However, he acknowledged that small militant cells remained in areas like Katupa, where they operate from mobile camps and avoid setting up fixed bases.

In response, Rwandan forces have intensified surveillance using helicopters, particularly after the discovery of landmines planted by insurgents in the forest. In 2024, a Mozambican military vehicle was destroyed by one such explosive in Katupa.

Since Rwanda’s initial deployment to Mozambique to combat the Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah insurgent group, several high-ranking militant leaders have been eliminated.

In August 2023, RDF troops killed the group’s top commander during a targeted ambush on August 16. Most of the group’s original leadership has since been dismantled and replaced by new operatives.

Currently, Rwanda’s security operations in Mozambique are led by Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who commands the Joint Task Force (JTF).

He is supported by Brig Gen Justus Majyambere, the Task Force Battle Group Commander. The Rwandan police contingent in Mozambique is headed by CP William Kayitare, with ACP Francis Muheto serving as his deputy.