23rd March 2016 - Tunisia: Medenine province
Tunisia: Medenine province: Further security operations likely in the coming weeks; avoid non-essential travel near Libyan border
Recent security incidents in Medenine province reflect the persistent risks from militant activity along the border with Libya. Members are reminded that travel within 25 miles (40km) of this frontier should be for essential purposes only and be conducted only after liaising with the local authorities.
A curfew imposed on 7 March remains in place in Ben Gardane from 22.00 until 05.00 (local time) until further notice, despite it having been relaxed. After the temporary closure of border crossing points with Libya following an attack on 7 March (see Background section below), the Ras Ajdir border crossing has re-opened on 22 March. Meanwhile, the authorities decided on the same day to extend a nationwide state of emergency for another three months.
Travel Briefing
While Islamist militants have so far been largely based in the mountainous areas of Jendouba, Kasserine and Kef provinces bordering Algeria, recent attacks and security operations point to extremist activity shifting further east and south. This development reflects the growing influence of the Libya-based branch of the extremist Islamic State (IS) movement, coupled with the security forces' relative lack of counter-insurgency expertise.
A number of terrorist-related incidents in recent days have occurred in the Ben Gardane area, most seriously a major attack in the town on 7 March (see Background section below). Further associated security operations are likely in the coming days. Members planning to undertake business-critical travel to Ben Gardane should enquire about local conditions prior to departure and liaise with the authorities and local contacts as security support may be required.
In response to rising militancy, Tunisia has completed a 125-mile (200km) barrier along its border with Libya with the aim of preventing jihadist infiltration; it is also in the process of installing electronic monitoring systems along the frontier. Increasing militant activity, including several attacks targeting foreigners in 2015, prompted us to raise Tunisia's travel risk rating from LOW to MEDIUM and for the Libyan border areas from MEDIUM to HIGH. Travellers should remain alert at all times in main urban centres and minimise time spent in crowded public areas and venues frequented by foreigners.
Background
ON 7 March, more than 50 people were killed when armed militants attempted to attack a military barracks and police station in Ben Gardane. At least 50 suspected jihadists were killed and eight others arrested during security operations launched in and around Ben Gardane in response to the attacks. Multiple operations were conducted in the aftermath in central areas of Ben Gardane and in the Hassi Ennour area of the city. On 20-21 March, clashes between suspected Islamist militants and security forces injured 11, including civilians; it is believed that one of the organisers of the 7 March attack was killed during the raid.
Travel Advice Summary
- Travel within 25 miles (40km) of the Libyan border should be for essential purposes only due to the risks posed by militant activity. Members undertaking essential travel to border areas should enquire about local conditions prior to setting out and liaise with local authorities as a precautionary measure as security support may be required.
- Observe local curfew hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities.
- There is an underlying threat of attack by Islamist militants in Tunisia. Likely targets include Western embassies, tourism sites, venues where Westerners are known to congregate and government or military personnel and assets. Report any suspicious behaviour or packages to the authorities and follow all directives issued by the security forces.
- The above advice is not exhaustive. Consult the Standing Travel Advice for Tunisia and monitor our travel security alerts for more information.