Following the ongoing insurgency attacks in northern Mozambique, French energy giant Total has suspended operations at a site exploring a major gas field weeks after Islamist militants attacked a nearby town.

According to the statement released by the company, the decision has been reached following the “evolving” security situation in the region.

Dozens of people were killed in the March attack in the town of Palma.

Total’s $20bn (£14.6bn) gas liquefaction plant is the largest foreign investment in Africa.

Its Afungi site is near Palma which has been repeatedly attacked by militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group.

During the 24 March raid, contract workers and locals sought asylum at the Amarula Palma Hotel and later narrated their traumatic experiences.

The ongoing insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region which has lasted for four years has left more than 2,500 people dead and 700,000 displaced.

Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi has continued to promise to restore peace in the region.