Islamic State claims attack on Tunis museum

The Islamic State (IS) group on Thursday claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Tunisia's National Bardo Museum that left 23 people dead and about 50 injured.

Two gunmen on Wednesday entered the museum in Tunis through the parliament building and took a group of tourists as hostages when security forces stormed the building.

A fire exchange took place between the forces and the attackers, who were later killed.

In an audio and written statement posted online, IS regarded the two attackers as "knights armed with automatic weapons and grenades." The group also promised more attacks.

Tunisia's president's office said the security forces arrested nine people on Thursday, adding that at least four of them were directly connected to Wednesday's attack.

President Beji Caid Essebsi held an emergency council meeting on Thursday, calling for better coordination between the army, national guard and the police.

Meanwhile, Tunisia's Ministry of Culture said the museum will reopen next Tuesday.

Tunisian local media dubbed the attack as "the most deadly in the North Africa nation in more than a decade." Endit