Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has closed its border to prevent Al Qaida from disrupting elections. The government said Tunisia closed its eastern border with Libya ahead of parliamentary elections on Oct. 26. In a statement, the government cited the border crossings at Ras Jedir and Dehiba. “There is a fear that there might […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has foiled a military cell linked to Al Qaida. The Interior Ministry said security forces nabbed 12 suspected insurgents believed linked to Al Qaida-aligned Ansar Al Sharia in Libya. The ministry said Ansar amassed a stockpile that included rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition and a 4.4 vehicle. “All security units are […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has approved a plan to enhance Tunisia’s military. Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama agreed to a $60 million package to support the Tunisian Army. They said the aid package would be overseen by U.S. Africa Command as part of an effort to combat Al […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, with control over large parts of Iraq and Syria, has set its sights on North Africa. Islamist sources said ISIL has intensified recruiting in several countries in North Africa. They said the recruitment was now meant to help establish sleeper and operational cells in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Tunisia has outlined its defense requirements in consultations with the United States. Tunisia has been discussing military requirements during the visit of President Moncef Marzouki to Washington. Marzouki said the requirements included helicopters, night-vision systems, communications and training. “We badly need them now,” Marzouki said. In an address to the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia’s military chief has resigned in wake of Al Qaida attacks. Tunisian Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammed Salah Hamdi submitted his resignation amid the Al Qaida offensive against the North African state. The Defense Ministry said Hamdi informed his superiors that he was quitting on July 23, days after 15 […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Officials said Algeria and Tunisia were engaged in consultations on border and other security cooperation. The officials said cooperation must be enhanced to stop the flow of Al Qaida-aligned fighters throughout North Africa. “There is a need to advance coordination at the security level in order to achieve concrete results,” […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama has approved a Tunisian request for U.S. military helicopters. Under the request, expected to be approved by Congress, Tunisia would receive 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in a sale estimated at $700 million. “The proposed sale will improve Tunisia’s capability to deter regional threats […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has sustained heavy losses by Al Qaida. At least 14 Tunisian Army soldiers were killed and 20 others were injured in attacks by Al Qaida-aligned units along the border with Algeria. Officials said the attackers came from Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, which has been operating in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Tunisia has reported foiling a major insurgency plot. The Interior Ministry said security forces captured three suspected Al Qaida insurgents and explosives. The ministry said the insurgents planned a series of suicide bombings against government and tourist targets. “The explosives consist of mines and explosive belts,” Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed […]