Ennahda Condemns Bardo Attack, ISIS Claims Credit
On March 18, militants attacked the Bardo Museum in Tunis and killed more than 20 people, most of whom were European tourists. The attack drew strong condemnation across Tunisia, including from Islamists.
On March 18, two gunmen, identified as Yassine Laabidi and Hatem Khachnaoui, attacked the Bardo Museum in Tunis and killed more than 20 people, most of whom were European tourists. ISIS – also known as ISIL, Daesh, or the Islamic State – later claimed responsibility for the attacks. More than 3,000 Tunisians have reportedly traveled to Iraq and Syria to join ISIS, and in December 2014, ISIS posted a video urging Tunisians to pledge allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. It was not immediately clear, however, what connection the two gunmen had with ISIS.
The following are excerpts from ISIS’s statement, disseminated on Twitter on March 19:
“[The gunmen] launched and were heavily equipped with machine guns and hand grenades to target Bardo Museum.”
“The blessed immersing operation led to killing and wounding dozens of Crusaders and apostates…and the failed security forces did not dare to approach but after the two heroes ran out of ammunition.”
“What you have seen today is the first drop of the rain, Allah permitting. You will not enjoy security nor be pleased with peace while the Islamic State has men like these who do not sleep amidst grievances.”
The attack drew strong condemnation across Tunisia, including from Islamists. Ennahda, Tunisia’s leading Islamist party, posted statements in English, Arabic, and French on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. The following is a sample of their statements in English.
Via Facebook
#Ennahdha MPs at the demonstration against terrorism tonight #Tunisia#Bardopic.twitter.com/ANiPTzS2N7
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha: The people who defeated dictatorship will surely defeat terrorism. #Tunisia#Bardo
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha stresses that this crime will not break our people’s will and will not undermine our revolution and our democracy #Tunisi#Bardo
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha prays for the souls of the innocent victims and presents its heartfelt condolences to their families... http://t.co/q3QHIwp2wu
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ghannouchi to the criminal terrorists: You will not defeat us; your savagery will be defeated by our people's unity. #Tunisia
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha is horrified by this attack & strongly condemns all acts of violence against #Tunisia & its visitors.... http://t.co/3Z529NmkoG
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha stresses that this terrorist crime is a failed attempt to undermine our security and stability, spread... http://t.co/J21xQTtYxj
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
#Ennahdha calls all Tunisian women and men to stand resolute, to be more alert and to support national unity and... http://t.co/pCCYydKsaY
— Ennahdha Party (@EnnahdhaParty) March 18, 2015
Click here for more information on Islamist movements in Tunisia
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