Child soldiers used by Islamist group in Mozambique attacks, says Human Rights Watch

An Islamist group operating in Mozambique used children in attacks on a town last week. Residents who fled recognized some of them as their missing relatives, Human Rights Watch said.

Witnesses told the rights group that dozens of child soldiers were used in the attacks and were seen carrying AK-style assault rifles and ammunition belts. Two people from the same family said they recognized their 13-year-old nephew among the children.

"I saw him with my own eyes," Abu Rachide, a resident of the town, told Human Rights Watch. He said the boy waved at him but marched on. Rachide’s sister said the boy, who went missing earlier in the year, appeared to be taking instructions from older fighters.