09 March 2016•Update: 22 March 2016
By Yosra Ouanes
TUNIS, Tunisia
Tunisian authorities on Wednesday said that at least 42 militants have been killed this week in clashes with security forces in the eastern town of Ben Guerdane.
Militants had attacked an army barracks and security posts in Ben Guerdane near the Libyan border on Monday, triggering a firefight with security forces.
The Tunisian interior and defense ministries said security forces had killed six militants in the town on Tuesday.
“This has taken the death toll in the clashes to 42,” the statement said, adding that seven militants have also been detained.
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid said Tuesday that the majority of militants were locals.
In an attempt to stop infiltration into its territories, Tunisia has built a 200-kilometer (125-mile) barrier along its border with Libya, which has become a hub for Daesh in recent months.
