Tunisia: Increased security likely following death of four soldiers in Jebel Mugheela, Feb. 3

Event

Increased security is likely in Jebel Mugheela in Kasserine Governorate after a landmine explosion detonated and killed four Tunisian soldiers Feb. 3. The landmine explosion occurred as the military personnel were on a security patrol.

The Tunisian military will likely remain deployed in the region and could establish security checkpoints. Heightened security measures in the region will prompt localized transport and business disruptions.

Context

Several terror groups operate in Tunisia. These militant groups regularly attack security forces, civilians, and foreigners. However, security forces neutralize most complex attacks before they materialize.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)-affiliated Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade and the Islamic State (IS)-affiliated Jund Al-Calipha are both active in the mountainous regions of Kasserine Governorate. Since 2014, a swath of the mountainous region near the Algeria-Tunisia border has been designated a closed military zone, as security forces pursue militants that have become entrenched in the area. The focus of security operations has been the Jebel Chaambi, Sammama, Salloum, and Mugheela areas.