Local media in Mozambique say the army suffered significant losses in a militant attack in the northern province of Cabo Delgado on Friday and has been trying to cover up the full extent of the casualties.
State media have reported that one member of a local militia was killed in the assault on the town of Macomia, which was repelled.
But locals say the town was occupied for a day, despite attempts by Rwandan peacekeepers to intervene. A second nearby town was attacked on Sunday.
Islamists militants have waged a six-year campaign in northern Mozambique.
