Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Tunisia has foiled what officials termed a vast insurgency plot targeting the military by returning fighters.

About 3,000 Tunisians are said to be fighting for ISIL and Nusra in Syria.

Officials said security forces captured 32 operatives linked to Al Qaida over the last few days. They said some of the detainees had fought for Islamic State of Iraq and Levant as well as Nusra Front for the Defense of Levant in Syria.

“Counter-terrorism forces foiled plots to carry out spectacular attacks against vital installations, including the Interior Ministry, security stations and civilian buildings in the capital Tunis,” Tunisian Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Laroui said. “They are takfiris directly tied to the Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade.”

At a news conference on Feb. 7, Laroui said the National Guard arrested the alleged insurgents in the Gafsa province as well as other areas of southern Tunisia. He said the insurgents targeted the National Guard and police.

“Operations are ongoing, but there is other information that the ministry prefers to keep confidential until the end of the operation,” Laroui said.

Officials said the National Guard and Tunisian Army were working in Mount Chambi along the border with Algeria. They identified one major target was Mourad Gharsali, believed to operate in Gafsa.

“Security forces continue to monitor all individuals returning from hotbeds of tension, including, in particular, Syria,” Laroui said.

  Al Qaida operatives, Tunis captures 32 ISIL veterans, WorldTribune.com