By William Mapote

MAPUTO, Mozambique

At least 16 people, including two police officers, have been killed in Thursday’s armed attack in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, authorities said on Friday.

According to police spokesman Inacio Dina, he cannot confirm if there were civilian casualties.

Dina said the number of death can increase as “we know there are many wounded attackers, but they are not going to the hospital, fearing to be identified as member of the armed group”.

On Thursday, militants attacked three police positions and stole weapons in Mocimboa da Praia district.

Police said seven members of the assailants have been arrested.

It was the second time in a year that militants attacked military positions in search of weapons.

Analysts in Mozambique’s capital Maputo believe the militants are likely a cell of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, but this hasn’t been confirmed by police.

The police said that one of assailants said they are not from any radical group.