7 tourists killed in museum raid

onnaedo

March 18, 2015 3:49 PM

British, Italian, French and Spanish nationals were among those taken hostage, local radio reported.

No fewer than 7 tourists and a Tunisian have been killed at at the Bardo Museum, which is next to the parliament building in central Tunis, BBC reports.

British, Italian, French and Spanish nationals were among those taken hostage, local radio reported.

At the time of the attack deputies were discussing anti-terrorism legislation. Parliament has now been evacuated.

Interior ministry spokesman, Mohamed Ali said the attack involved 2 or more terrorists armed with Kalashnikovs and thatmost tourists were evacuated but some were still believed to be inside the museum.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls who condemned the attack said that the attackers had taken hostages but was very alert on how the situation is evolving.

Eyewitnesses report that there was a growing crowd of at least 500 people outside the musuem.

The Bardo museum is renowned for its collection of antiquities and is a major attraction in Tunis.

Reports say a large number of Tunisians have left to fight in war, ISIS-controlled Syria and Iraq, triggering worries that returning militants could carry out attacks at home, even as as neighbouring Libya has become increasingly unstable.

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