This AKE short brief examines a series of attacks carried out by Islamic State-affiliated militant group Ansar as-Sunna between 15 August and 21 September and their impact on efforts to restart the US$20bln LNG plant on the Afungi Peninsula in Cabo Delgado province. French energy giant TotalEnergies announced on 17 June its plans to lift the force majeure on the project, citing improvements in the security situation. However, an uptick in militant attacks across Cabo Delgado between July and September has raised concerns over the ability of security forces to protect the site. As plans to restart operations move forward, Ansar as-Sunna is likely to intensify attacks in the vicinity of key towns and roads in Cabo Delgado in the coming months.