MOZAMBIQUE’S military has detained around 30 soldiers accused of war crimes against civilians, it confirmed today.

Admiral Joaquim Mangrasse said the troops committed the atrocities fighting jihadists in the north of the African country. 

Those detained are accused of crimes including the looting of banks in the town of Palma after retaking control from the Islamists. 

They are also charged with stealing crops from villagers, stealing goods and killing and torturing those suspected of links with the jihadists. 

The Isis-linked al-Shabab group began a major offensive in Cabo Delgado province in March, forcing more than 67,000 people to flee their homes.

Mozambique’s military has struggled to deal with a jihadist insurgency since 2017, with the group using arson and beheadings as part of its attacks.

Last month the UN said it had rescued hundreds of child soldiers from the clutches of al-Shabab, countering claims they had been willingly released.

Mozambique’s armed forces have also come under scrutiny for their actions amid allegations of human rights abuses.