Tunisia: Suicide bombing in central Tunis October 29 /update 1

Event

Shortly before 14:00 (local time) on Monday, October 29, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device on Habib Bourguiba Avenue near the El Hana Hotel in central Tunis. According to a security spokesperson, at least one person, presumably the attacker, was killed, with nine more suffering injuries. Further details are emerging. According to local sources, the area around the incident, including Mohamed V Avenue near the Laico Hotel, has been cordoned off by security forces.

The explosion took place minutes after the end of a protest for Aymen Othmani, a 19-year old killed in a police raid in Sidi Hassine Sijoumi on October 24. Clashes had erupted between protesters and police during previous demonstrations.

Context

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 avoid the area until further notice, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and remain vigilant.