Tunisia: Terror cell dismantled in Sidi Bouzid province December 19

Event

On Wednesday, December 19, Tunisian security officials announced that a terror cell had been dismantled in Sidi Bouzid province. According to local sources, at least eight suspected terrorists have been placed under arrest. Reports indicate the cell had ties to foreign terrorist organizations. A heightened security presence is anticipated in Sidi Bouzid over the coming weeks. Further counterterrorism operations are possible in the near term.  

Advice

Due to the terrorist threat, individuals across Tunisia are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities, 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.). Certain Western governments advise against travel to the south of the country (i.e. regions on the borders with Algeria and Libya) due to the presence of armed groups.