The death toll from clashes between Tunisian forces and extremist attackers near the Libyan border has risen to 55, including 36 attackers, Tunisian Prime Minister Habid Essid says.
Essid says seven civilians and 12 members of Tunisia’s security forces also died, and 17 others were injured.
“The attack that happened yesterday showed that our military and security forces were ready,” he tells a press conference. “We won a battle, but we haven’t yet won the war on terror, and that war continues.”
Tunisian soldiers drive a light gun car during clashes with militants in the southern town of Ben Guerdane, near the Libyan border, March 7, 2016. (AFP/FATHI NASRI)
No group immediately claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack in the city of Ben Guerdane, but websites affiliated with the Islamic State group say IS fighters were handed a tough blow by Tunisian security forces. One website published more than 30 pictures showing militants’ bodies as well as weapons and munitions seized.
Essid says that about 50 gunmen — most of them Tunisians — took part to the attack. Only four out of the 36 attackers killed have been formerly identified. Essid does not give more details about the attackers’ background but says some came from Libya.
— AP
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