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Tunisia: Death toll up to 55 in clashes near Libyan border

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) 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 3 min read

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) – The death toll from clashes between Tunisian forces and extremist attackers near the Libyan border has risen to 55, including 36 attackers, Tunisian Prime Minister Habid Essid said Tuesday.

Essid said seven civilians and 12 members of Tunisia’s security forces also died, and 17 others were injured.

“The attack that happened yesterday showed that our military and security forces were ready,” he told a press conference. “We won a battle, but we haven’t yet won the war on terror, and that war continues.”

No group immediately claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack in the city of Ben Guerdane, but websites affiliated with the Islamic State group said IS militants were handed a tough blow by Tunisian security forces. One website published more than 30 pictures showing militants’ bodies as well as weapons and munitions seized.

Essid said that about 50 gunmen – most of them Tunisians – took part to the attack. Only four out of the 36 attackers killed have been formerly identified. Essid did not give more details about the attackers’ background but said some came from Libya.