Mozambican army destroys rebel base

The Mozambican army has destroyed a base used by Renamo rebels to launch attacks.

Mozambican police said the rebels use the base in the central Morrumbala district to launch ambush attacks on trucks transporting goods, commuter buses and other targets.

The police said the army managed to recover some stolen goods in the area.

Unconfirmed reports indicate eight people were killed in the clashes but neither the police nor Renamo have confirmed that.

Renamo gunmen attacked Morrumbala’s main town, torching a health centre and looting medical supplies on August 12.

A local police station was also vandalised and 23 prisoners set free by the rebels.

News of the clashes came hours before peace talks between the government and Renamo were set to resume in Maputo in the presence of international mediators.

Talks were suspended in late August when the parties failed to agree on a ceasefire.

Renamo, which previously waged a 16-year civil war that ended in 1992, has refused to accept results of the 2014 elections won by the ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power since independence.