MAPUTO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Eight members of an alleged Islamist group have been killed by the Mozambique's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) in the district of Palma in the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado, sources said Saturday.

The members are from the self-proclaimed Al-Shabab group, which has been launching sporadic attacks against police and civilians since last October, causing terror and displacement in several districts of Cabo Delgado.

"At the site where the eight members of the radical Islamist group were killed, an AK47 gun and machetes they used to behead people were found," said one FDS member, requesting anonymity when asked by reporters.

According to the police source who was involved in the hunting mission, more information could be officially published within days.

"This group was thought to be in the riverside areas where they can have access to water for personal consumption and hygiene," he said.