Tunisia: Suspected Al-Qaeda leader killed in Kasserine October 20

Event

According to the Ministry of Defense, Tunisian security forces killed a suspected leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group during a security operation in the mountainous areas of the Kasserine governorate on Sunday, October 20. Another suspected militant was injured in the operation.

Similar security operations are possible in the area over the coming weeks.

Context

Islamist militants are active in some provinces of Tunisia, particularly in mountainous areas in the west of the country (e.g. Kasserine province) and southern desert areas along the border with Libya (e.g. Tataouine and Medenine provinces).

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.