Around nine o’clock on Tuesday night, the Comboni Sisters in the diocese of Nacala, Mozambique, faced a violent attack by a jihadist group. The incident has been confirmed by Opinion, which cites a member of the Prensa Ibérica group and the spokesperson for the Prado Fernández media outlet based in Spain. [Citation: Opinion via Prado Fernández, Prensa Ibérica network]
Terrorists affiliated with Islamic State struck the Chipene community, resulting in the death of 83-year-old Italian nun Maria e Coppi. She was shot in the head while attempting to reach the dormitory where the remaining students were sheltering. [Citation: Local correspondent reporting for Opinion]
On her own behalf, 82-year-old Murcian sister Angeles Lopez and another Italian nun managed to escape from Sangonera la Verde. They sought refuge in a forest with a group of girls they were protecting. [Citation: Eyewitness account provided by Prado Fernández]
Prado Fernández reported that the terrorist group set fire to the entire mission, destroying the church, hospitals, and schools. The complex had been a shelter for hundreds of people fleeing conflict in the northern regions of the country. [Citation: Prado Fernández interview]
The local community in Murcia had previously warned of increased attacks in the region, and fear had already spiked as villages were evacuated as residents began to flee. [Citation: Regional security briefings summarized by Opinion]
According to Fernández, two nuns and the remaining survivors were transported to the capital. They showed no physical injuries, though fear remained widespread among them. [Citation: Official statements reported by Prado Fernández]
Regarding the sister who died, officials say the body was recovered to be transported to another mission. For now, the damaged and burned headquarters are expected to be temporarily closed due to regional instability, though other missions are anticipated to continue operating. [Citation: Recovery and reassessment notes from local authorities]