Russian vessel under attack in Mozambique waters.
In Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado, an attack was reported on a Russian oceanographic vessel, the Atlântida, off the coast near Tambuzi Island on May 10, 2025. The vessel, conducting marine scientific research and moored in Maputo before sailing to South Africa, was hit by gunfire while returning to port.
Mozambican government representative Inocêncio Impassa confirmed that the vessel was under fire, noting the attack was carried out by two unidentified vessels in the Quirimbas Archipelago. The Russian embassy in Maputo confirmed the incident on May 16.
No official notification has been received from the Russian side, but Mozambique has launched an investigation following the attack in its territorial waters. The country emphasized its commitment to ensuring security in its waters, as the incident remains under investigation.
Several reports and analysts link the attack to terrorist groups active in northern Mozambique, primarily those affiliated with the Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISCAP or IS-Mozambique). Now, authorities and international observers are analyzing potential connections between the attackers and the insurgent groups operating in the region.
If the link to ISCAP is confirmed, this would mark the first reported attack by such groups on a foreign-flagged vessel. Previously, their maritime activities had been limited to targeting local fishing boats and kidnapping fishermen.
The attack on the Atlântida signals a potential escalation in tactics by ISIL-affiliated militants in Mozambique, representing a broader threat to international actors. It raises concerns about the safety of maritime activities in the western Indian Ocean, particularly offshore Mozambique, where both commercial and research vessels operate. Moreover, it underscores the persistent insecurity in northern Mozambique and the continued threat posed by ISCAP, which has previously conducted deadly attacks on both civilians and security forces. The incident coincided with a raid in Muidumbe district where militants reportedly killed 11 Mozambican soldiers, highlighting ongoing coordination and capabilities of insurgent groups.
The attack is likely to prompt increased international scrutiny and may lead to strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation among regional states and international partners involved in research or commercial activities in the area. The incident underscores the complex security challenges Mozambique faces, particularly in its northern province, and the need for a coordinated response from both regional and international partners.
- The attack on the Atlântida, a Russian oceanographic vessel, has prompted the Mozambican government to investigate potential links between the attackers and terrorist groups like ISCAP, which could mark the first reported attack by such groups on a foreign-flagged vessel.
- The Mozambican government's investigation into the attack on the Atlântida, along with increased international scrutiny, underscores the complex security challenges the country faces, especially in its northern province, and the need for a coordinated response from both regional and international partners.
