There are reports in Mozambique that a second group of Russian mercenaries has arrived in the country.

They are reportedly to help fight Islamist militants who have have been carrying out attacks in the north of the country close to where vast gas deposits are located.

The online publication Carta de Mocambique cites military sources as confirming the arrival of the Russians who are widely reported to be from the Wagner Group.

It was set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin who is seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The foreign ministry in Moscow recently denied reports that at least five Russian mercenaries were killed in an ambush in Mozambique last October and neither country has confirmed the presence of any mercenaries.

Russia has been seeking to boost its influence on the continent and has a military presence in the Central African Republic as well as Libya.