The Latest: Leader says Tunisia in ‘war against barbarism’

Tunisian police officers take positions during clashes with militants in Ben Guerdane, 650 km away from Tunis, Monday, March 7, 2016. At least 45 people were killed Monday near Tunisia's border with Libya in one of the deadliest clashes seen so far between Tunisian forces and extremist attackers, the government said. (AP Photo) Tunisian police officers take positions during clashes with militants in Ben Guerdane, 650 km away from Tunis, Monday, March 7, 2016. At least 45 people were killed Monday near Tunisia's border with Libya in one of the deadliest clashes seen so far between Tunisian forces and extremist attackers, the government said. (AP Photo)

By Associated Press March 7, 2016 3 min read

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) – The Latest on the fighting in a Tunisian town bordering Libya (all times local):

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5 p.m.

Tunisia President Beji Caid Essebsi says his country is waging war against barbarians following an attack that left at least 45 people dead near the Libyan border.

Speaking from the capital Tunis, Essebi says extremists now pose a security threat to the entire country.