The Islamic State (IS) claimed on March 19 responsibility for an attack by two gunmen in the Bardo neighborhood of Tunisia’s capital. The attack began early March 18 when the gunmen entered a fenced-in complex that holds Tunisia’s parliament and national museum. The gunmen opened fire on a bus of tourists in the parking lot before taking hostages inside the museum.
When the hostage situation ended three hours later, 21 people were dead, including 17 tourists of various nationalities, two Tunisians and both assailants. Over 40 others were injured, some seriously. One tourist and a Tunisian died March 19 as a result of wounds sustained during the attack, bringing the total number of dead to 23. Authorities have arrested four and detained five others in connection with the attacks, according to a statement released by Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi.
