Tunisia: October 29 suicide attack in Tunis an “isolated” incident /update 2

Event

Local authorities are still investigating the motive behind the October 29 suicide attack in central Tunis, which was reportedly an "isolated" incident. The perpetrator, an unemployed 30-year-old women and college graduate who died in the attack, was not known to authorities for ties to Islamist groups or links to any extremist acts. Local sources indicated that the explosion was caused by a homemade bomb.

Traffic has resumed on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, where the attack took place; however a heightened security presence is still in effect. 

Context

The attack left 20 people injured, including 15 policemen. Only the bomber was killed.

The threat from terrorism in Tunisia is considered high and a near-constant state of emergency has been in effect nationwide since June 2015. Some 3000 people have left Tunisia to fight for militant groups in Syria, Iraq, and Libya in recent years. Some have since returned to the country, prompting security forces to frequently carry out security operations targeting suspected terrorist cells.

Advice

Individuals in Tunis are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities and remain vigilant, particularly when visiting sites deemed especially likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).