Tunisia PM commissions army to secure major cities

Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid yesterday announced that he had commissioned the army to secure major cities and to tighten security measures across the country following the violent terrorist attack which targeted the Bardo Museum inside the heavily guarded parliament compound in central Tunis killing 25 people including 20 tourists and three Tunisians.

Essid told reporters that surveillance will be intensified across the country and tourist attractions as well as public facilities.

He pointed out that the decision comes after a cabinet meeting with the three armies and the High Security Council attended by President Beji Caid Essebsi.

Essid stressed that the Tunisian authorities were working to prevent the re-occurrence of similar terrorist operations, noting “that any other terrorist operation will have very serious consequences for the country”.

The prime minister pointed out that the army and security agencies are equipped with everything they need to defend the country and cooperate with their allies. A deal to purchase eight US made Black Hawk helicopters is being concluded and the helicopters are expected to arrive in Tunisia during the second half of this year, Essid said.

During the meeting, the cabinet decided to review the security policy in coordination with the military establishment.

Essid announced earlier that several suspects were arrested in connection with the terrorist attack, pointing out that the search continues to locate other individuals who might have aided the perpetrators.