A child plays in an alley at the Port of Paquitequete near Pemba, Mozambique, March 29, 2021, where sailing boats are expected to arrive with people displaced from the coasts of Palma and Afungi. — AFP/VNA Photo

PRETORIA — The Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique has always kept a close watch on the situation relating to terrorist attacks in northern Mozambique and given advice to Vietnamese citizens in the affected areas, a diplomat has said.

Vietnamese Ambassador Lê Huy Hoàng said no Vietnamese citizens had been harmed by terrorist attacks and extreme violence in northern Mozambique.

The ambassador made the remarks in the context of recent attacks on foreigners in Palma Town in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has triggered international concern.

According to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), the conflict, which intensified on March 26, has left dozens dead while about 60 people are believed to be missing after a group of terrorists stormed into the town.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa said many South Africans had been affected by these attacks, and a South African man was among the dead.

The department said South Africa was now working with local authorities on verifications through its mission in Maputo, as well as providing consular services.

“South Africa stands ready to work with the government of Mozambique in pursuit of lasting peace and stability,” it said.

The United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Monday (US time) that the UN “strongly condemns” last week’s jihadist assault,

“The United Nations reaffirms its solidarity and continued support to the government of Mozambique in its efforts to protect civilians, restore stability and bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice,” he added. — VNS