Government adopts strategy to fight 'terrorism'

pulse

November 7, 2016 7:26 PM

Its security forces have been battling a jihadist movement responsible for killing dozens of soldiers and police officers

Tunisia has experienced a rise in religious extremism since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Tunisia's national security council on Monday adopted a strategy to fight "terrorism and extremism", two days after the Islamic State group said it had killed a soldier.

The North African country has experienced a rise in religious extremism since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Its security forces have been battling a jihadist movement responsible for killing dozens of soldiers and police officers as well as civilians including 59 foreign tourists.

The presidency, in a statement, said the "national strategy to fight against extremism and terrorism" is built around the four main axes of "prevention, protection, judicial proceedings and retaliation".

It gave no further details about the plan, but said it had been discussed with members of civil society during its preparation and by government ministers and security top brass.

The national security council is headed by President Beji Caid Essebsi.

On Sunday IS, which has claimed three major attacks on Tunisian soil last year alone that claimed the lives of more than 70 people, said it was behind Saturday's murder of a soldier.

He was killed at his home in a central region that is a major hideout for jihadist groups.

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