More than 100 civilians abducted by militants in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province have been rescued, the military said.

Army commander Cristovao Chume said those rescued were mainly women and children, and they would be handed over to the authorities for social support.

The commander said militants were still active in Palma district although the security of the area was considered to be under control.

Militants continue to torch houses in some villages, General Chume said.

Earlier this week, the government said its forces had killed more than 150 insurgents in Palma between 21 to 23 June.

Mozambique’s army has lately intensified its fight against militants in the province.