Tunisia no longer has any active terrorist hotbeds on its territory, General Imed Memmacha, spokesperson for the National Security Directorate, stated during a press briefing broadcast by
Mosaïque FM radio.
This statement marks a turning point in a country long shaken by deadly jihadist attacks.
“Tunisians can rest assured: there are no more pockets of terrorism in the country,” the senior security official assured, welcoming a “significant and lasting” improvement in the security situation.
He highlighted the progress made in the fight against terrorism and called on the population to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate actively with the authorities.
This announcement comes ten years after a series of attacks that severely shook the country, notably those perpetrated in 2015 against the Bardo Museum in Tunis (22 dead, mostly foreign tourists), and then against the Imperial Marhaba Hotel in Sousse (38 dead, including 30 British citizens), claimed by the Islamic State group, which included several dozen Tunisian nationals
in its ranks.
These attacks had deeply damaged Tunisia’s reputation as a safe tourist destination and further weakened a country already beset by political and economic tensions.
In the following years, several armed groups had sought refuge in the mountains bordering Algeria, particularly in the Kasserine and Kef massifs, where security forces regularly conducted search operations.
Attacks against military and police personnel continued to plague Tunisia until 2020, a period since which the country gradually strengthened its intelligence and prevention capabilities.
According to the authorities, this improvement is the result of a comprehensive strategy combining technological surveillance, field operations, and international cooperation, particularly with European partners and neighbouring countries.
Tunisia has also strengthened its border controls and dismantled numerous extremist cells in recent years.
“The results are there, but we must not let our guard down,” warned General Memmacha, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity and demonstrate a greater sense of civic responsibility.
MK/Sf/fss/as/APA