The United Nations (UN) on Friday called for urgent measures in Mozambique’s northeastern Cabo Delgado province to protect the civilians from jihadist attacks as the armed groups had increased in the region in recent weeks, leaving dozens of people dead and forcing thousands to escape their homes.

“The situation is desperate both for those trapped in conflict-affected areas, with barely any means of surviving and for those displaced across the province and beyond,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said.

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“Those who remain have been left deprived of basic necessities and are at risk of being killed, sexually abused, kidnapped, or forcibly recruited by armed groups. Those that flee may die trying,” she said.

Jihadists have destroyed villages and towns in Cabo Delgado over the past three years as part of a campaign to establish an Islamist caliphate.

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According to the UN, the militants have burned public buildings and dozens of people have been killed in these attacks.

The UN rights office said that since October 16, over 14,000 people had fled by sea and arrived in the provincial capital, Pemba. At least one boat has capsized, killing around 40 people, including children. Thousands of others are meanwhile believed to be trapped in conflict areas, with many hiding in the bush for days.