Terror threat looms over coastal destination as US warns attacks could strike without notice

Americans are being warned to avoid parts of an African safari destination where terrorists have targeted upscale lodges frequented by international big-game hunters.

Mozambique, a southeastern African country across from the island of Madagascar, is the subject of an Aug.

21 updated "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" advisory from the U.S.

State Department.

Officials have also designated multiple areas "Level 4: Do Not Travel" — citing heightened terrorism risks .

AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKS Bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini, Mozambique is known for its Indian Ocean coastline, beaches and wildlife reserves .

Though not a tourist hot spot, Mozambique draws visitors for its safari tourism.

It welcomed over 757,400 foreign guests in 2024, according to government statistics.

Cabo Delgado Province, a "Do Not Travel" area, is home to safari and wildlife destinations , including Quirimbas National Park.

The State Department also warns that terrorist groups in northern Mozambique are "active" and that there is a risk of terrorist violence and attacks.

ROBBERIES, ASSAULTS AND RAPES SPUR NEW US TRAVEL WARNING FOR POPULAR CARIBBEAN GETAWAY "Attackers may strike public areas and tourist destinations with little or no warning, sometimes taking hostages," the advisory says.

Alex Perry, an England-based author and veteran foreign correspondent who previously served as a TIME bureau chief, told Fox News Digital the terrorist presence in northern Mozambique is relatively small but particularly brutal.

"Mozambique has one of the smaller ISIS groups in the world," Perry said, estimating it has roughly 500 members.

"They are spectacularly nasty." Perry, author of the book "Blood Will Flow" about the deadly Islamist insurgency in Mozambique, said militants in Cabo Delgado have carried out mass beheadings, and that the region's tourism industry has suffered as a result of the insurgency.