Mozambique state news media reports more than 50 people have been beheaded by militant Islamists in several villages in its Cabo Delgado province.
A football field in one of the villages was reportedly turned into an "execution ground."
The killings over the past weekend are the latest in a series of attacks by a militant group. The group is reportedly linked to Islamic State.
According to government estimates, more than 2,000 people have been killed by the group. Around 430,000 people have also been left homeless as the conflict in the mostly Muslim province continues.
Despite government intervention, the group has still retained its foothold in the southern African region. Extreme poverty and unemployment in the area have also made it easier for the group to recruit fighters, mostly younger males below the age of 20.
A report published by the Mozambique News Agency said that militants shouted "Allahu akbar" as they killed their victims. Houses in the Nanjaba village were burned to the ground. Another village was also raided. Several women were reportedly abducted while men were beheaded.
The news agency said that at least 50 people were beheaded in the village of Muatide. Most of the men that were killed were villagers that tried to escape. The bodies of those that were beheaded were reportedly dismembered.
Mozambique's government has called on its international allies to help it quell the insurgency. Officials have reportedly sought international help to give its troops specialized training. The public has also called for the government to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict as fears of further violence continue to escalate.
Human rights groups have said that atrocities are being conducted on both sides. Mozambican forces have been accused of conducting arbitrary arrests, killings and tortures.
