The Islamic State terrorist group on Wednesday claimed it was responsible for a bombing on a bus carrying members of Tunisia’s presidential guard on Tuesday.
Fifteen people were killed in the attack in Tunis, an official in the prime minister’s office told CNN.
The explosion occurred while the vehicle was parked near a main thoroughfare in the capital city where guard members are typically picked up and dropped off.
The Tunisian government has called the incident a “terrorist attack.”
In a statement published on Wednesday, the Islamic State terrorist group said one of its suicide bombers detonated his explosive vest on the bus.
The statement contained a photo of the alleged bomber, along with the message: “Tyrants of Tunis must know that they will not be safe, God wiling, and we won’t stop until the law of God rules Tunis,” CNN reported.
The Tunisian government has not commented on the terror group’s claim. The claim has not yet been verified.
Tunisia is the only Arab Spring country to have solidified a new democracy, but it is facing serious economic and security challenges.
A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that he sent condolences to Tunisia and the victim’s families.
The U.S. condemned the attack and said it would assist Tunisian authorities in their investigation.
“Terrorists have sought to use fear and violence to undermine the important gains the Tunisian people have made in pursuit of a democratic, stable, and prosperous country,” National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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