Tunisian authorities have
arrested more than 20 suspected militants following the Bardo
museum attack when gunmen killed foreign tourists, leading to a
nationwide security crackdown.
Hundreds of Tunisians gathered for a mass in the cathedral
in Tunis on Saturday, lighting candles to remember the victims -
20 foreign tourists and three Tunisians - in a ceremony attended
by government ministers. Outside, there was a heavy police
presence along the capital's central Habib Bourguiba boulevard.
Wednesday's assault - the most deadly attack involving
foreigners in Tunisia since a 2002 suicide bombing in Djerba -
came at a fragile moment for a country just emerging to full
democracy after its pioneering popular uprising four years ago.
The government said the two gunmen had trained in jihadi
camps in Libya before the attack at the museum inside the
heavily secured Tunisian parliament compound. Japanese, French,
Polish, and Colombian visitors were among the victims.
Authorities have arrested more than 20 suspected militants,
including 10 believed to be directly involved in the Bardo
attack, Interior Ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui said on
Saturday. "There is a large-scale campaign against the
extremists," he said.
The government plans to deploy the army to major cities to
increase security following the shootings.
Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the
attack, but social media accounts tied to an Al Qaeda-affiliated
group in Tunisia have also published details purportedly about
the operation.
Whoever was responsible, the Bardo attack illustrates how
Islamist militants are turning their attention to North Africa,
especially in neighboring Libya where two rival governments
battle for control allowing Islamic State to gain a foothold.
The United States is increasingly worried about the growing
presence of Islamic State militants in Libya.
U.S. officials said that because of its strategic position,
Libya has become a springboard for would-be fighters from across
North Africa wanting to link up with Islamic State. They could
travel from there to Syria for frontline experience.
Four years after a popular revolt toppled autocrat Zine
El-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has completed its transition to
democracy with free elections, a new constitution and compromise
politics between secular and Islamist parties.
The country is heavily reliant on foreign tourists to its
beach resorts and desert treks.
REUTERS