(Bloomberg) --

Unidentified militants attacked a Mozambican town close to an area in which companies including Total SA and Exxon Mobil Corp. are developing liquefied-natural-gas projects worth almost $60 billion.

The assault began early Monday morning in Mocimboa da Praia, about 60 kilometers (38 miles) south of where the LNG developments are located, police spokesman Orlando Mudumane said in comments broadcast on state television.

“They occupied the city, which is currently under fire,” Mudumane said. “The defense and security forces are currently fighting to restore order.”

Mocimboa da Praia is the district headquarters and was the place Islamist militants attacked in October 2017 at the start of an insurgency that has left more than 800 people dead. Islamic State has claimed some of the attacks since June.

Total and Exxon didn’t immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

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