"The criminal operation perpetrated on Tuesday night near the Ghriba synagogue in Djerba, targets Tunisia and its foreign relations, as well as the sensitive economic sectors and the jobs of a large number of its citizens," says the Tunisian Confederation of Citizen Enterprises (CONECT). In a press release published on Wednesday, CONECT stresses that "these cowardly attacks reflect the defeat of terrorism which has suffered a bitter failure by failing to undermine stability in Tunisia, thanks to the great successes achieved by the security forces and the national army in the fight against terrorism of all kinds. For the employers' organisation "winning the ongoing battle against terrorism in all its forms is the responsibility of all Tunisians", calling for greater vigilance, cooperation and support for the efforts of the army and security forces. "Tunisia was and will always remain the land of peace and tolerance," the same source said. An attack was perpetrated near the Ghriba synagogue on the island of Djerba on the evening of Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The official toll so far is five dead, including two pilgrims and three security guards, in addition to the perpetrator of the attack who was shot by security units. Four security personnel and four civilians were also injured. The operation took place in two stages, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, when a member of the National Guard, the perpetrator of the shooting, first shot and killed one of his colleagues and took his ammunition. He then went to the area around the synagogue where he opened fire on the security forces and was shot dead. The attack occurred as worshippers were participating in the annual Ghriba pilgrimage, which was coming to an end on Tuesday evening. Security forces "surrounded the synagogue and secured all those in and around it," the interior ministry said.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse