Brussels, 18/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 18 March, Tunisia was shaken by a terrorist attack against highly symbolic targets - the outskirts of the Parliament (the Assembly of the People's Representatives) and the National Bardo Museum, both situated in the same historical area, which is particularly secure.
The attack led to the death of 19 people, including 17 tourists (from Poland, Italy, Germany and Spain) and one police officer. A further 22 people have been injured, including 20 foreign tourists, according to official figures issued by Morocco's prime minister, Habib Essid. The police intervened forcefully against the group of terrorists who were wearing army uniforms and who managed to infiltrate the area despite it being highly secure. Two of the terrorists attacked the museum, others (the number is currently not known) fired machine-guns at a tourist bus.
Habib Essid stated this attack (the first against civilian targets as the others have until now been against police and the army) was intended to make the economy suffer - an economy that is in deep crisis - by striking at tourism, which is a buoyant sector. He called on Tunisia's citizens to stand firmly together. The head of state, Beji Caid Essebsi, who visited the bedsides of the wounded, described the situation as serious and promised “to wipe [terrorists] off the map”. An investigation has been opened to determine how the terrorists colluded. Two of them were shot down by the police.
In Brussels, France's prime minister, Manuel Valls - whose country has opened a crisis unit in Paris - said: “We strongly condemned the terrorist attack [on the Bardo Museum]. There are tourists who have been killed. Unfortunately, this cruelly illustrates the threats which we are all facing in Europe and the world. France and Tunisia are acting together to fight against terrorism”. The theme of fighting against terrorism in the neighbouring country of Libya was debated in Brussels on Tuesday during the 11th session of the Association Council, and the EU has offered support to the security forces through training and assistance.
“With the attack that has struck Tunisia today, the terrorist organisations have once again targeted the countries and people of the Mediterranean region”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. “This strengthens our determination to cooperate more closely with out partners to confront the terrorist threat. This common challenge is part of the discussions that I had yesterday in Brussels with [Tunisia's] foreign affairs minister Taieb Baccouche”, she said.
“I want to offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to reiterate the solidarity of the European Union to the people of Tunisia in this time of trial”, Mogherini stated, adding: “The EU is determined to mobilise all its instruments to support Tunisia fully in the fight against terrorism and the reform of its security sector, and to bring about democratic transition and economic reforms for the benefit of the Tunisian people, starting with its young people” (our translation).
European Council President Donald Tusk said he was “shocked” and said in a statement that “the European Union and Tunisia will not be intimidated by terrorism, at home or abroad”. He added: “We are ready to support the Tunisian government in its actions against violent extremism and commend its speedy action to free the hostages involved. The European Union stands with Tunisia in its commitment to peace and democracy. We will not be deterred in the face of such brutality.” (Fathi B'Chir)